Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson, on behalf of the city council and administration, presented certificates of appreciation to more than 70 volunteers in attendance who serve as firefighters; Emergency Medical Technicians; members of the Snoqualmie Emergency Communications and Support Team (SECAST); Police Explorers; and citizen volunteers for the Arts Commission, Civil Service Commission, Economic Development Commission, Human Services Commission, Lodging Tax Advisory Board, Parks Board, Planning Commission, and Shoreline Hearings Board.

Special proclamations of service were awarded to Pastor Marty Benedict, who serves as chaplain for the Fire and Police Departments; SECAST members Brian Kassa, Rich Collingwood, Richard Smith, and Dave Dickenson for their support at the Oso mudslide disaster; and Snoqualmie Volunteer Firefighter Chris Felstad, who was also recipient of the 2013 Top Responder of the Year award.

Colleen Johnson was recognized with a standing ovation for her extraordinary service with the city of Snoqualmie in the roles of volunteer, elected official, and employee. Colleen was a Reserve Police Officer for several years. She served on the City Council from 1985 through 2001, often serving as Mayor Pro-Tem, and was on the Planning Commission from 2001 to 2005. Johnson was also the confidential file clerk and office assistant for the city attorney until his retirement. She had a part in many of the city planning milestones that made Snoqualmie what it is today.

“I cannot thank our volunteers enough for contributing their time, energy, and talent to everything that goes into running a city with such a high quality of life as Snoqualmie,” said Mayor Larson. “As well as recognizing them for their service, I want to sincerely thank their families and employers for the time they take away from home and work to attend meetings and, in the case of our firefighters and EMTs, day and night shifts.”

City Clerk Jodi Warren is the founder and coordinator of this annual event that started in 2009. “It is my great pleasure to make this event special and fun for the volunteers and their families,” she said. “I also want to thank local businesses for their thoughtful contributions of door prizes for the volunteers, as well as our generous event sponsors.”

Sponsors included Snoqualmie Tribe, Admiral Enterprises, Perteet Engineering, Puget Sound Energy. Door Prize Donors: Black Dog Café, Cascade Dance Academy, Carmichael’s True Value, Chase Bank, DMW Martial Arts, Down to Earth, Genuine Image Photography, Optimal Health Chiropractic, Rose’s Ridge Café & Deli, Salish Lodge & Spa, Sigillo Cellars, Snoqualmie Candy Factory, Snoqualmie Tribe, and Steve’s Doughnuts.