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Salcha first responders honored

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By Tim Ellis T wo Salcha Fire and Rescue first responders were honored recently for their hard work, dedication and service to their community located along the Richardson Highway south of Fairbanks.

Ambulance crewmembers Mark Plummer and Matt Thompson, the volunteer department’s chief medic, were among 25 first responders who were recognized in November during the fourth annual No One Left Behind awards banquet in Fairbanks. The awards are given to honor exceptional law enforcement, firefighting, dispatching and emergency medical services first responders in the region.

The No One Left Behind program is conducted through a collaboration between the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and Fairbanks Rescue Mission. Plummer is a nine-year member of Salcha Fire and Rescue and a captain in the Operations Division. The longtime Salcha resident was given a No One Left Behind Community Outreach Award for, according to his citation, “his drive to help others, his determination to make things better and his dedication to help the community.” The citation says Plummer has served as both a trainer and mentor to newer members of the department. It also cites his service as president of Salcha Fire and Rescue’s board of directors.

Thompson also has served Salcha Fire and Rescue for nine years. He’s a fire apparatus engineer and medic with the department, and over the past six years he’s also served as Occupational Health Manager for area medical personnel.

According to his citation, “Through his knowledge and proMatt Thompson Mark Plummer

fessionalism, Mr. Thompson helps ensure fellow members are properly trained and ready for the emergency response. His passion for the job shows in all aspects of emergency response as well as his mentoring of fellow medics and the service to our community.”

Mike Rauenhorst, who helps organize the annual No One Left Behind program, says the awards are intended to both celebrate first responders’ community service and inculcate the importance of that service and good citizenship among the youths who participate in the Junior ROTC programs at North Pole and Lathrop high schools.

The JROTC students help plan and organize the annual event and handed out awards during the annual banquet like the one in November held at Ryan Middle School, said Rauenhorst, an Air Force senior aerospace science instructor at North Pole High School.

Proceeds raised through the event go to the Rescue Mission “to help provide homeless men, women and children with three hot meals, a bed to sleep in and clothing in a safe environment.”

This year’s event raised about $12,806, Rescue Mission officials said.

Tim Ellis is a freelance writer living in Delta Junction. Comments about this story? Email editor@AlaskaPulse.com.

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