Snoqualmie firefighter Darby Summers let out a cheer when he learned that he was voted Best Firefighter by Valley Record readers this year.

“That’s awesome!” he said, but he was even more excited to hear that his friend, Snoqualmie Police Officer Sean Absher, was again chosen Best Police Officer.

“He deserves it. He’s my favorite cop and a good guy,” said Summers, who has been a full-time firefighter with the Snoqualmie Department since Jan. 1, 2001. He is also certified as an EMT and a Swiftwater Rescue Swimmer.

Summers and Absher were both involved in the dangerous rescue last May of Lynsey Grennan, who got caught in the Snoqualmie River’s current when she tried to rescue her fiance. Summers grabbed a life vest and jumped into the current to help the woman, whose strength was flagging. Absher, while not dispatched to the incident, was on the riverbank, waiting to pull them both to safety.

“That guy goes above and beyond. Seeing Sean on the shore with his throw bag in May of last year, was a heavy moment in my life,” Summers said. “If anyone deserves a ‘best’ category, it’s that guy.”

Summers received a Medal of Valor from the city for the rescue, and Absher received a Medal of Merit.

Although he was on vacation last week, Summers took some time to answer a few questions about his work.

What made you become a firefighter?

I ended up in this line of work because I love helping people.  My parents were always quick to jump in and help someone in need, and I learned early on not to just drive by someone who needed help. I was a volunteer firefighter for two years before I got hired and I was hooked….I should probably think about moving up in my career but I’m happy with my duties and have a lot of pride in what I do.  I’d much rather be in harm’s way than order someone else to do it.

You’re a genuine hero to a lot of people. Who were your heroes in life?

There are some awesome firefighters in Snoqualmie, Fall City and North Bend, many of whom I grew up looking up to.

How do you relax, with such a stressful job?

I have two busy little boys who I call my men! Hunter is 4 and Caiden is 7, and they are my world. I live right here in Snoqualmie with my girlfriend, Nicole, who is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT. We spend most of our time raising the boys and try to spend our free time in the outdoors. We love rock climbing and find our solace up in the mountains.

What’s the best part about working in Snoqualmie?

We have a great group of firefighters in this city. I’d still be volunteering if I didn’t get hired full time. Living in the community that I work in means a lot to me, this is my hometown. I love my job. This acknowledgement means a lot, too, as it comes from the folks of the community I serve.  It’s a real honor.

• Learn more about the Snoqualmie Fire Department at www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us/