PORT ANGELES — Kate Haworth, Taylor Counts and Tristan Lowman were among those honored during the annual Clallam County Fire District 2 awards and recognition banquet at the Eagles Club.
The banquet on Saturday provided an opportunity to recognize career and volunteer members for their hard work and dedication, the fire district said in a press release.
Haworth was named the 2024 career Firefighter of the Year. She first jointed the fire district in 2020 as a volunteer and in November 2023 was hired as a full-time career firefighter.
“She did an outstanding job in completing her probationary year as a new career firefighter and participated in countless extra training opportunities,” the fire district said. “Kate also took on improving the social media presence of the fire district to promote who we are and what we do to serve the community. Additionally, she was instrumental in supporting our efforts to successfully pass a fire levy lid lift which was approved by voters in November 2024.”
Counts was named the 2024 volunteer EMT of the Year, and Lowman was named the 2024 volunteer Firefighter of the Year.
Counts joined the fire district in 2023, quickly obtained his EMT certification and recently completed the regional fire academy. At the conclusion of the fire academy, he was recognized with the “Chief’s Company” award, which recognizes those individuals who have shown the necessary attitude and skills to be ready to go on day one.
Lowman joined the fire district in 2019 and has become one of the “old salt” firefighters, the fire district said.
“His positive attitude and mentoring of new members has been invaluable to creating a welcoming environment for everyone,” the fire district said. “His skills and abilities make him a trusted and reliable responder that embodies true service to the community.”
Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue has about 35 volunteers who provide additional personnel during large or overlapping incidents. They also assist the small contingent of career staff on a daily basis to provide assistance when needed.
Each year, the fire district recognizes its top responders who responded to at least 10 percent of total calls in the year. For 2024, they included Captain/EMT Kevin Thompson, Captain/EMT Marty Martinez, Firefighter/EMT Makayla Cashman and Firefighter/EMT Brock Tejeda.
In addition, Firefighter/Paramedic Gary Arbuckle, Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Elliott, Firefighter/EMT Tristan Lowman, Captain/EMT Marty Martinez, Firefighter/Paramedic Erik Sundin, Firefighter/EMT Josh Williams and Volunteer Training Coordinator Anaka Hughes were honored for reaching their five-year service milestone with the fire district.
Captain/EMT Kevin Thompson was recognized for reaching his 15-year mark.
Kate Haworth.
Taylor Counts.
