Submitted by Kathryn Tucker.

Among the unsung heroes of Lopez Island are the Lopez Island Fire and EMS members who donate hundreds of hours a year in training and service, responding to everything from structure and wildland fires, medical emergencies of all kinds, deaths due to accident and suicide and countless other emergencies. They respond at all hours of the day and night and on holidays.

An event to recognize these heroes was held at the Lopez Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 10. Of particular note, was volunteer firefighter Michael Sendrowicz who received the Fire Fighter of the Year Award for the second year in a row. As Fire Chief Adam Bigby noted, it is rare to receive this recognition even once but two years in a row is remarkable.