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News Release

Vancouver Fire Department Honors Firefighters, Community Members At Annual Awards Ceremony (Photo) - 03/18/26

Vancouver, Wash. – On March 11, the Vancouver Fire Department recognized firefighters, City employees and community members for acts of courage, lifesaving care and outstanding service during its annual Vancouver Fire Awards ceremony.

 

“These awards recognize moments when people chose to act, often in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances,” said Fire Chief John “JD” Drake. “Whether it’s a firefighter entering cold water to rescue someone, a citizen helping a stranger or a team working through the night during a major incident, these actions reflect the courage, skill and commitment that help keep Vancouver safe.”

 

The department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, was awarded to Firefighter/Paramedic Jennifer English for her role in a dramatic water rescue at Lacamas Lake in May 2025.

 

English entered cold, murky water with little visibility to search for a drowning victim. Despite entanglement hazards, she made several rapid free dives. On her fourth dive, she located the victim, brought him to the surface and swam him to shore so crews could begin advanced medical care. Her decisive actions and technical rescue skills gave the victim the best possible chance of survival.

 

A total of 36 awards across several categories were presented to firefighters, City employees and community members:

 

Life Saving and Fire Medal Awards

Several citizens, firefighters and public safety partners were recognized for lifesaving actions:

  • Kayla Edwards, a dispatcher, and Roberto “Alex” Dennis received the Fire Medal for helping rescue a driver from a burning vehicle after a crash on Interstate 205.
  • Brody Walton and off-duty Paramedic John Mosely were honored for rescuing and reviving an eight-year-old child found unresponsive in a swimming pool.
  • Ashley Lyon and City Public Works employee Tony Castro used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive a construction worker who collapsed from cardiac arrest.
  • Captain Jarrod Grahn, Paramedic Josh Lawson and Firefighter Adam Pozsgai revived a three-year-old child who was unresponsive and not breathing.

Chief’s Achievement Award

Fire Chief Drake presented the Chief’s Achievement Award to Chuck Winkler, supervisor of the department’s fleet services team, recognizing 25 years of leadership maintaining the department’s engines, ladder trucks, fireboats and specialized vehicles. Winkler’s leadership helped ensure emergency apparatus remain ready to respond at all hours.

 

Meritorious Service Awards

Recognizes firefighters whose actions demonstrate exceptional professionalism and dedication.

  • Chaplain Peter Schrater, who provided extensive support to first responders, witnesses and a grieving family after a tragic auto-versus-pedestrian incident involving a father and child.
  • Engineer/Paramedic Sam Dickson, who calmly de-escalated a crisis involving a distressed child on the roof of Hollingsworth Academy.

Individual Commendations

Recognize employees whose leadership and work strengthen the department.

  • Fire Code Officer Zachary Prine for his commitment to community risk-reduction education and public safety outreach.
  • Captains Brandon Werry and Andrey Yelizavetskiy for leadership in the department’s training division.
  • City Fleet Services Emergency Technician Justin Walker for supporting crews during a prolonged Metro Metals fire by refueling and maintaining apparatus through the night.
  • Engineer/Paramedic Casey Holmes for decades of leadership and expertise on the department’s Marine Team.

Company Commendations

Recognize teams whose coordinated work led to successful outcomes during complex emergencies.

  • The Fire Boat 1 crew: Captain Tony Clary, Pilot Mark Bennett and Deckhand Jake Weyrauch – for leading a river search and rescue during severe winter weather on the Columbia River.
  • The Truck 10 crew: Captain Joe Yela, Engineer Jesse Avery, Firefighter Cory Anderson and Paramedic Jennifer English – for their coordinated response to the Lacamas Lake drowning incident.

Certificates of Appreciation

Recognize employees whose work strengthens department programs or community safety.

  • Paramedic Shawn Zupfer and Emergency Medical Technician Aidan Schrater, who revived a cardiac arrest patient while working alone in the back of an ambulance.
  • Captain Paramedic Raymond Egan, Captain Paramedic Kady Mercer, Engineer Paramedic Tighe Vroman, Engineer Paramedic Ben Burtle, Engineer Paramedic Kevin Wilson and Battalion Chief Ryan Morrisey for developing a new advanced airway training program for department paramedics.
  • Fire Code Officer Joseph Desormeau and Lead Deputy Fire Marshal Shane LaBeck for resolving serious life-safety hazards discovered during a complex facility inspection.

 

View the full awards ceremony video to learn more about the efforts of each honoree.

 

###

Attached Media Files: Ashley Lyon and City Public Works Employee Tony Castro used and automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive a construction worker who collapsed from cardiac arrest., Brody Walton, recipient of a Vancouver Fire Medal for assistance during a child drowning incident., Paramedic Shawn Zupfer and Emergency Medical Technician Aidan Schrater received a Certificate of Appreciation for reviving a cardiac arrest patient (pictured center) while working alone in back of an ambulance., Kayla Edwards, CRESA dispatcher, received the Fire Medal for helping rescue a driver from a burning vehicle after a crash on Interstate 205.,

Vancouver Fire Department Honors Firefighters, Community Members At Annual Awards Ceremony (Photo) - 03/18/26

Vancouver, Wash. – On March 11, the Vancouver Fire Department recognized firefighters, City employees and community members for acts of courage, lifesaving care and outstanding service during its annual Vancouver Fire Awards ceremony.

 

“These awards recognize moments when people chose to act, often in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances,” said Fire Chief John “JD” Drake. “Whether it’s a firefighter entering cold water to rescue someone, a citizen helping a stranger or a team working through the night during a major incident, these actions reflect the courage, skill and commitment that help keep Vancouver safe.”

 

The department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, was awarded to Firefighter/Paramedic Jennifer English for her role in a dramatic water rescue at Lacamas Lake in May 2025.

 

English entered cold, murky water with little visibility to search for a drowning victim. Despite entanglement hazards, she made several rapid free dives. On her fourth dive, she located the victim, brought him to the surface and swam him to shore so crews could begin advanced medical care. Her decisive actions and technical rescue skills gave the victim the best possible chance of survival.

 

A total of 36 awards across several categories were presented to firefighters, City employees and community members:

 

Life Saving and Fire Medal Awards

Several citizens, firefighters and public safety partners were recognized for lifesaving actions:

  • Kayla Edwards, a dispatcher, and Roberto “Alex” Dennis received the Fire Medal for helping rescue a driver from a burning vehicle after a crash on Interstate 205.
  • Brody Walton and off-duty Paramedic John Mosely were honored for rescuing and reviving an eight-year-old child found unresponsive in a swimming pool.
  • Ashley Lyon and City Public Works employee Tony Castro used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive a construction worker who collapsed from cardiac arrest.
  • Captain Jarrod Grahn, Paramedic Josh Lawson and Firefighter Adam Pozsgai revived a three-year-old child who was unresponsive and not breathing.

Chief’s Achievement Award

Fire Chief Drake presented the Chief’s Achievement Award to Chuck Winkler, supervisor of the department’s fleet services team, recognizing 25 years of leadership maintaining the department’s engines, ladder trucks, fireboats and specialized vehicles. Winkler’s leadership helped ensure emergency apparatus remain ready to respond at all hours.

 

Meritorious Service Awards

Recognizes firefighters whose actions demonstrate exceptional professionalism and dedication.

  • Chaplain Peter Schrater, who provided extensive support to first responders, witnesses and a grieving family after a tragic auto-versus-pedestrian incident involving a father and child.
  • Engineer/Paramedic Sam Dickson, who calmly de-escalated a crisis involving a distressed child on the roof of Hollingsworth Academy.

Individual Commendations

Recognize employees whose leadership and work strengthen the department.

  • Fire Code Officer Zachary Prine for his commitment to community risk-reduction education and public safety outreach.
  • Captains Brandon Werry and Andrey Yelizavetskiy for leadership in the department’s training division.
  • City Fleet Services Emergency Technician Justin Walker for supporting crews during a prolonged Metro Metals fire by refueling and maintaining apparatus through the night.
  • Engineer/Paramedic Casey Holmes for decades of leadership and expertise on the department’s Marine Team.

Company Commendations

Recognize teams whose coordinated work led to successful outcomes during complex emergencies.

  • The Fire Boat 1 crew: Captain Tony Clary, Pilot Mark Bennett and Deckhand Jake Weyrauch – for leading a river search and rescue during severe winter weather on the Columbia River.
  • The Truck 10 crew: Captain Joe Yela, Engineer Jesse Avery, Firefighter Cory Anderson and Paramedic Jennifer English – for their coordinated response to the Lacamas Lake drowning incident.

Certificates of Appreciation

Recognize employees whose work strengthens department programs or community safety.

  • Paramedic Shawn Zupfer and Emergency Medical Technician Aidan Schrater, who revived a cardiac arrest patient while working alone in the back of an ambulance.
  • Captain Paramedic Raymond Egan, Captain Paramedic Kady Mercer, Engineer Paramedic Tighe Vroman, Engineer Paramedic Ben Burtle, Engineer Paramedic Kevin Wilson and Battalion Chief Ryan Morrisey for developing a new advanced airway training program for department paramedics.
  • Fire Code Officer Joseph Desormeau and Lead Deputy Fire Marshal Shane LaBeck for resolving serious life-safety hazards discovered during a complex facility inspection.

 

View the full awards ceremony video to learn more about the efforts of each honoree.

 

###

Attached Media Files: Ashley Lyon and City Public Works Employee Tony Castro used and automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive a construction worker who collapsed from cardiac arrest., Brody Walton, recipient of a Vancouver Fire Medal for assistance during a child drowning incident., Paramedic Shawn Zupfer and Emergency Medical Technician Aidan Schrater received a Certificate of Appreciation for reviving a cardiac arrest patient (pictured center) while working alone in back of an ambulance., Kayla Edwards, CRESA dispatcher, received the Fire Medal for helping rescue a driver from a burning vehicle after a crash on Interstate 205.,

City Council To Host Community Forum On Belonging March 23 (Photo) - 03/13/26

Vancouver, Wash. – City Council will hold its next council community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th Street.  

 

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns and ideas with the members of City Council in group discussions. The forum will focus on how our community is creating a “Vancouver for All.” Discussion questions will invite participants to share their experiences and identify ways the City can improve opportunity and belonging for all community members.  

 

Ahead of the meeting, community members are invited to consider:  

 

  • What makes you feel connected to our community?

  • What barriers might prevent some residents from fully benefiting from the opportunities that our community offers? 

  • How can we improve belonging for people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels? 

 

Doors open at 5 p.m. for a City Council special session and public hearing. Those who prefer to only attend the community forum should arrive by 6:30 p.m. RSVP to attend. 

 

For interpretation services or accommodations, please get in touch with the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us.  

 

Quarterly community forums provide an opportuniy for community members to connect with their elected representatives outside of the formal City Council meeting setting. In 2026, community forums will be held on March 23, June 22, Sept. 28 and Nov. 23. Please see the City’s events and meeting calendar for more information prior to each forum. 

 

### 

Attached Media Files: City Councilors talking to community members at a City Council Community Forum.,

City Council To Host Community Forum On Belonging March 23 (Photo) - 03/13/26

Vancouver, Wash. – City Council will hold its next council community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th Street.  

 

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns and ideas with the members of City Council in group discussions. The forum will focus on how our community is creating a “Vancouver for All.” Discussion questions will invite participants to share their experiences and identify ways the City can improve opportunity and belonging for all community members.  

 

Ahead of the meeting, community members are invited to consider:  

 

  • What makes you feel connected to our community?

  • What barriers might prevent some residents from fully benefiting from the opportunities that our community offers? 

  • How can we improve belonging for people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels? 

 

Doors open at 5 p.m. for a City Council special session and public hearing. Those who prefer to only attend the community forum should arrive by 6:30 p.m. RSVP to attend. 

 

For interpretation services or accommodations, please get in touch with the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us.  

 

Quarterly community forums provide an opportuniy for community members to connect with their elected representatives outside of the formal City Council meeting setting. In 2026, community forums will be held on March 23, June 22, Sept. 28 and Nov. 23. Please see the City’s events and meeting calendar for more information prior to each forum. 

 

### 

Attached Media Files: City Councilors talking to community members at a City Council Community Forum.,

City Council To Host Community Forum On Belonging March 23 - 03/13/26

Vancouver, Wash. – City Council will hold its next council community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th Street.  

 

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns and ideas with the members of City Council in group discussions. The forum will focus on how our community is creating a “Vancouver for All.” Discussion questions will invite participants to share their experiences and identify ways the City can improve opportunity and belonging for all community members.  

 

Ahead of the meeting, community members are invited to consider:  

 

  • What makes you feel connected to our community?

  • What barriers might prevent some residents from fully benefiting from the opportunities that our community offers? 

  • How can we improve belonging for people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels? 

 

Doors open at 5 p.m. for a City Council special session and public hearing. Those who prefer to only attend the community forum should arrive by 6:30 p.m. RSVP to attend. 

 

For interpretation services or accommodations, please get in touch with the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us.  

 

Quarterly community forums provide an opportuniy for community members to connect with their elected representatives outside of the formal City Council meeting setting. In 2026, community forums will be held on March 23, June 22, Sept. 28 and Nov. 23. Please see the City’s events and meeting calendar for more information prior to each forum. 

 

### 

City Council To Host Community Forum On Belonging March 23 - 03/13/26

Vancouver, Wash. – City Council will hold its next council community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th Street.  

 

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns and ideas with the members of City Council in group discussions. The forum will focus on how our community is creating a “Vancouver for All.” Discussion questions will invite participants to share their experiences and identify ways the City can improve opportunity and belonging for all community members.  

 

Ahead of the meeting, community members are invited to consider:  

 

  • What makes you feel connected to our community?

  • What barriers might prevent some residents from fully benefiting from the opportunities that our community offers? 

  • How can we improve belonging for people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels? 

 

Doors open at 5 p.m. for a City Council special session and public hearing. Those who prefer to only attend the community forum should arrive by 6:30 p.m. RSVP to attend. 

 

For interpretation services or accommodations, please get in touch with the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us.  

 

Quarterly community forums provide an opportuniy for community members to connect with their elected representatives outside of the formal City Council meeting setting. In 2026, community forums will be held on March 23, June 22, Sept. 28 and Nov. 23. Please see the City’s events and meeting calendar for more information prior to each forum. 

 

### 

Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price Gives Notice To Retire In Early 2027 (Photo) - 03/12/26

Vancouver, WA – Last week, Chief Troy Price notified the City Manager that he plans to retire in early 2027. His retirement will follow more than 30 years in policing and two years as Vancouver’s Police Chief.
 

“Chief Price has guided major advancements in how we deliver police services, including the implementation of bodyworn and in-car cameras to strengthen transparency and trust,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “He also played an instrumental role in shaping the successful Proposition 5, securing critical funding for the department. His impact on this organization and our community is significant, and I am deeply grateful for his service.”
 

“My goal has always been to leave this department better than I found it. When I look at the men and women who show up each day with dignity, respect, and a deep commitment to this community, I know we have achieved that, and there is still more ahead,” said Police Chief Troy Price. “Although my time in uniform is coming to a close, the responsibility of keeping our city safe remains, and I will be passing that mission to a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate team.”
 

The City will begin a recruitment for its next Chief of Police later this year. Residents will have opportunities to share their perspectives on the qualities and priorities they would like to see in the department’s next leader.
 

Price joined VPD in 1997 as a lateral-entry officer and moved up through the ranks. He has served as a Patrol Officer, Street Crimes Detective, Property Crimes Detective, Joint Terrorist Task Force Agent, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief before becoming Police Chief in 2024.
 

###

Attached Media Files: Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price,

Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price Gives Notice To Retire In Early 2027 (Photo) - 03/12/26

Vancouver, WA – Last week, Chief Troy Price notified the City Manager that he plans to retire in early 2027. His retirement will follow more than 30 years in policing and two years as Vancouver’s Police Chief.
 

“Chief Price has guided major advancements in how we deliver police services, including the implementation of bodyworn and in-car cameras to strengthen transparency and trust,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “He also played an instrumental role in shaping the successful Proposition 5, securing critical funding for the department. His impact on this organization and our community is significant, and I am deeply grateful for his service.”
 

“My goal has always been to leave this department better than I found it. When I look at the men and women who show up each day with dignity, respect, and a deep commitment to this community, I know we have achieved that, and there is still more ahead,” said Police Chief Troy Price. “Although my time in uniform is coming to a close, the responsibility of keeping our city safe remains, and I will be passing that mission to a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate team.”
 

The City will begin a recruitment for its next Chief of Police later this year. Residents will have opportunities to share their perspectives on the qualities and priorities they would like to see in the department’s next leader.
 

Price joined VPD in 1997 as a lateral-entry officer and moved up through the ranks. He has served as a Patrol Officer, Street Crimes Detective, Property Crimes Detective, Joint Terrorist Task Force Agent, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief before becoming Police Chief in 2024.
 

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Attached Media Files: Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price,

Vancouver Mayor To Deliver State Of The City Address Tonight - 03/09/26

Vancouver, WA – Tonight, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will deliver the annual State of the City address at 6:00 p.m.
 

Members of the media can call Laura Shepard at 360-624-0747 for planning purposes and to help you with interviews, camera placement, or other needs.
 

Date/Time: Monday, March 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m.
 

Location: Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. On-site parking is available; overflow parking is available across the street from the venue at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.
 

How to watch: The State of the City address will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook page.  
 

Tickets: Due to limited seating at the venue, the ticket request portal is now closed to the public.
 

Speech and event overview
 

The first portion of the address will highlight progress made in 2025 on key City priorities and community concerns. The second half will focus on arts, culture, and heritage in Vancouver and will include the launch of Inspire Vancouver, the City’s new grant program funded by the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tax adopted as part of the 2025–26 Biennium Budget.
 

The event will also feature performances representing Vancouver’s diverse arts community, including:

  • A Lion Dance by the Vietnamese Community of Clark County
  • An original poem written and recited by Susan Dingle, Poet Laureate of Clark County
  • Vancouver Ballet Folklorico
  • A video produced by Evergreen Public Schools

 

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Vancouver Mayor To Deliver State Of The City Address Tonight - 03/09/26

Vancouver, WA – Tonight, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will deliver the annual State of the City address at 6:00 p.m.
 

Members of the media can call Laura Shepard at 360-624-0747 for planning purposes and to help you with interviews, camera placement, or other needs.
 

Date/Time: Monday, March 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m.
 

Location: Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. On-site parking is available; overflow parking is available across the street from the venue at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.
 

How to watch: The State of the City address will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook page.  
 

Tickets: Due to limited seating at the venue, the ticket request portal is now closed to the public.
 

Speech and event overview
 

The first portion of the address will highlight progress made in 2025 on key City priorities and community concerns. The second half will focus on arts, culture, and heritage in Vancouver and will include the launch of Inspire Vancouver, the City’s new grant program funded by the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tax adopted as part of the 2025–26 Biennium Budget.
 

The event will also feature performances representing Vancouver’s diverse arts community, including:

  • A Lion Dance by the Vietnamese Community of Clark County
  • An original poem written and recited by Susan Dingle, Poet Laureate of Clark County
  • Vancouver Ballet Folklorico
  • A video produced by Evergreen Public Schools

 

###

Vancouver’s State Of The City Scheduled For March 9 - 03/03/26

For media planning purposes

 

Vancouver, WA – On Monday, March 9, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will deliver the annual State of the City address.

 

The first portion of the address will highlight progress made in 2025 on key City priorities and community concerns. The second half will focus on arts, culture, and heritage in Vancouver and will include the launch of Inspire Vancouver, the City’s new grant program funded by the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tax adopted as part of the 2025–26 Biennium Budget. The event will also feature performances representing Vancouver’s diverse arts community, including:

  • Lion Dance by the Vietnamese Community of Clark County
  • Original poem written and recited by Susan Dingle, Poet Laureate of Clark County
  • Vancouver Ballet Folklorico
  • Video produced by Evergreen Public Schools

Venue capacity is limited. Members of the media are asked to RSVP to Laura Shepard for planning purposes and to allow us to help you with interviews, camera placement, or other needs.

 

Date: Monday, March 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m.

Location: Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. On-site parking is available; overflow parking is available across the street from the venue at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.

How to watch if you can’t attend: The State of the City address will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook page.

 

###  

Vancouver’s State Of The City Scheduled For March 9 - 03/03/26

For media planning purposes

 

Vancouver, WA – On Monday, March 9, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will deliver the annual State of the City address.

 

The first portion of the address will highlight progress made in 2025 on key City priorities and community concerns. The second half will focus on arts, culture, and heritage in Vancouver and will include the launch of Inspire Vancouver, the City’s new grant program funded by the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tax adopted as part of the 2025–26 Biennium Budget. The event will also feature performances representing Vancouver’s diverse arts community, including:

  • Lion Dance by the Vietnamese Community of Clark County
  • Original poem written and recited by Susan Dingle, Poet Laureate of Clark County
  • Vancouver Ballet Folklorico
  • Video produced by Evergreen Public Schools

Venue capacity is limited. Members of the media are asked to RSVP to Laura Shepard for planning purposes and to allow us to help you with interviews, camera placement, or other needs.

 

Date: Monday, March 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m.

Location: Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. On-site parking is available; overflow parking is available across the street from the venue at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.

How to watch if you can’t attend: The State of the City address will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook page.

 

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