Lutz, Cothren honored at state and national level

During the Wahkiakum County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 23, VFW Post 5297 Commander Bill Tawater and VFW Post 5297 Quartermaster Justin Tawater presented Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office 911 Dispatcher/Telecommunicator Aric Cothren with a plaque from Washington State VFW and a certificate of recognition from National VFW for the 2024-2025 911 Dispatcher/Telecommunicator of the Year. Cathlamet Fire Department EMT Will Lutz was presented with a plaque from Washington State VFW and a certificate of recognition from National VFW for the 2024-2025 EMT of the Year.

"Both men were submitted by their supervisors last year for the Public Servant Awards Program," said Bill Tawater. "They each won in their respective categories at the Post and District 16 level and went on to State and National. To be recognized by their community, State VFW, and National VFW shows their outstanding service and dedication to this community."