POST FALLS — It was an evening of surprise and celebration as the Post Falls American Legion Steven H. Nipp Post 143 honored the community's finest.

Volunteers, firefighters, paramedics, deputies and more were lifted for their dedicated service and selfless sacrifice during a Saturday evening banquet at the Post Falls Legion. The event was attended by nearly 100 guests.

Judge Advocate Joseph "Vic" Parrish received a standing ovation as he was recognized as the Legionnaire of the Year.

"This guy, I feel, he outshines all of us," Post Commander Jim Culpepper said of Parrish during the award presentation. "Every year, this gentleman donates a lot to the American Legion. Not once has he declined to come forward to help when a problem arises."

Culpepper said Parrish ensures the Post's meetings are appropriately run and he re-wrote the Post's bylaws.

"Now he's got us on the right track for that," Culpepper said.

Parrish also donates firearms from his personal collection to hold raffles that benefit the Legion, raising funds to help keep the doors open and support Legion events.

With a firm handshake and a pat on the back, Parrish took the mic from Culpepper.

"Well, truly this was unexpected, and I'm going to get even. Don't get mad, get even," he joked.

Kidding aside, he said veterans are near and dear to his heart.

"Every day, there is a veteran out there who needs someone to talk to 'em, to say something to 'em and to spend a few minutes just listening to 'em," Parrish said. "If I had to have a message for the folks in this room — I know you do it every day — just make sure that when you have a veteran and you have a chance to talk to them, just say, 'thank you' for what they did."

Kitchen crew volunteer Paula Schloesser, still in her apron from helping to prepare the evening's meals, was caught in a moment of emotion when she was surprised with the Post Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Auxiliary President Marilyn Shay and kitchen manager Corky Thomas.

"Paula is a fixture in our kitchen, and she spends so many hours here," Shay said.

"She is on call all the time," Thomas said. "Anytime somebody can't come in, she's the first one saying, 'I'll be there.' I couldn't do this without her."

The crowd cheered, halted by a humble Schloesser who praised her colleagues.

"I couldn't be here without our team that we have in the kitchen," she said as applause resumed.

Another sweet surprise that unfolded was the appearance of several of Mike Jost's family members, who stepped into the room as he was named Post 143's Volunteer of the Year. 

"He deserves it, he is so amazing," his daughter, Vanessa Bennett, said. "My dad is always so helpful and he never wants anything for himself. He's so embarrassed right now, and it is so cute because he's going to be like, 'I never deserve this, I'm not doing anything special, I'm just helping.'"

Other honored awardees from the evening:

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Firefighter of the Year: Scott Oliver

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Paramedic of the Year: Maxwell Buccowich

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Deputy of the Year: Sgt. Jeff Howard

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Detention Officer of the Year: Deputy Wade Kiedrowski

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Professional Staff of the Year: Chaplain John McSwain

Post Falls School District Educator of the Year: Matt Barkley

Corporate Sponsor of the Year: Orgill, received by Ashley Taylor

    American Legion Post 143 Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year Paula Schloesser places her hands on her face Saturday evening as she is caught by surprise when Auxiliary President Marilyn Shay, center, and kitchen manager Corky Thomas honor her with the award.
  

    Post Falls American Legion Volunteer of the Year Mike Jost is congratulated by his many loved ones Saturday night after receiving his award. From left: Mathew Bennett, Cindy Engle, Carmon Bennett, Jost and Lori Steckman.
  

    Scott Oliver beams a bright smile Saturday night as he is named Kootenai County Fire and Rescue's Firefighter of the Year.