EPHRATA — The names and faces have changed over 25 years, but the message remained the same Thursday evening as veterans, first responders, elected leaders and community members gathered in Ephrata to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honor those who continue to serve their communities. 

Hosted by American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 28, the Patriot Day ceremony blended remembrance with recognition, paying tribute to those lost on 9/11, military members who served in the ensuing War on Terror and local first responders whose daily work continues that legacy of service. 

“We will remember. None of us will ever forget what happened in America 25 years ago today,” American Legion Post 28 Commander Jeff Crowsey said during his remarks. “Good and decent people died, and new American heroes died trying to save them.” 

Crowsey noted that 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port Authority officers and 343 firefighters died responding to the attacks. 

“Their sacrifice stands as the highest form of service and devotion to their fellow citizens,” he said. 

The ceremony included the traditional fire service memorial known as “striking the four fives,” performed by Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns, along with a POW/MIA remembrance and a moment of silence. 

Mayor Steve Oliver read a City of Ephrata proclamation designating Sept. 11, 2026, as a Day of Remembrance and Service. 

“One way to accomplish this is to never forget the innocent victims of terror attacks and those who sacrificed for our freedoms,” Oliver said while reading the proclamation approved by the city council. 

Keynote speaker Jason Wilson, a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant who deployed multiple times during the Global War on Terror, urged attendees not to forget the impact first responders have on their communities. 

“9/11 was ours, and what did we see? We saw the first responders going into the buildings to save civilians because we were no longer safe,” Wilson said. 

He warned that the nation is beginning to lose the unity it felt in the days following the attacks. 

“We swore we would never forget, but we're starting to forget,” Wilson said. “Please never forget that it's our first responders.” 

A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to honoring First Responders of the Year selected by agencies throughout Grant County. 

For MACC 911, Gabrielle “Gabby” Etheridge was recognized as Dispatcher of the Year. Presenter Amanda Scott said Etheridge has maintained her professionalism and compassion despite the challenges inherent in emergency communications. 

“She continues to treat each caller with compassion and each situation with the seriousness it deserves,” Scott said. “She brings calm and confidence to difficult situations.” 

At the Ephrata Fire Dept., firefighter Emily Grass received Firefighter of the Year honors. Burns praised her reliability and commitment to training. 

“When I think of Emily, I think of consistency,” Burns said. “Consistently shows up for calls and training, consistently seeking training and consistently being present in the fire station.” 

Grant County Fire District 13 honored Nicholas Weitzel, whom presenter Andy Ralph described as a dependable volunteer. 

“He's been with us for approximately seven years and has been a contributing member from the very start,” Ralph said. “He's always been willing to help out when needed, and a very dedicated volunteer for the department.” 

Grant County Fire District 7 recognized Capt. Jake Friesen as its First Responder of the Year. Chief Erik Brittain highlighted Friesen’s service as both a Marine Corps veteran and wildfire coordinator. 

“Long before Jake put turnout gear on for Fire District Seven, Jake answered a different call for service,” Brittain said. “Captain Friesen has stepped up to fill that vital gap.” 

Brittain also credited Friesen for helping train future firefighters. 

“As our training officer, he is actively building the future of our emergency response,” he said. 

The Ephrata Police Dept. selected Officer Nico Diaz for its First Responder of the Year award. Capt. Troy Froewiss said Diaz’s greatest contribution is the positivity he brings to the department. 

“Every day, and I mean truly every day, Nico arrives to work with a smile on his face and is consistently in a good mood,” Froewiss said. 

“His attitude keeps us moving forward and makes our department better.” 

The Soap Lake Police Dept. recognized administrative employee Jody Siebert. Chief Patrick Canady called Siebert an essential member of the agency. 

“Our recipient is an outstanding employee,” Canady said. “She performs jobs that officers do not want to do.” 

For Quincy Police Dept. Officer Jessica Diaz was named First Responder of the Year. Sgt. Chris Lafferty said Diaz exemplifies the values expected of law enforcement professionals. 

“Officer Diaz represents the qualities we look for in a first responder: professionalism, compassion, dedication and a genuine commitment to serving others,” Lafferty said. 

Speaking personally, Lafferty added, “She has the grace, the courage and the stamina to get people through those tough times.” 

Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete honored Sgt. Jose Rivera and Corrections Deputy Harold St. Pierre. 

Kriete described Rivera as “a true team player, driven in his work, humble in his accomplishments and thoughtful in his decisions.” 

“His dedication to his team and his community makes him deeply, deeply deserving of this recognition,” Kriete said. 

Regarding St. Pierre, Kriete praised his role in preparing for the county’s transition to a new jail facility. 

“His knowledge, commitment and attention to detail have been vital in shaping this complex, critical process,” Kriete said. 

Lifeline Ambulance recognized Rachel Coy as EMT of the Year. Presenter James Seek cited Coy’s dedication to patients, co-workers and community outreach. 

“Rachel's accomplishments are impressive, but what truly makes her deserving of this recognition is the spirit behind them,” Seek said. 

“Rachel embodies the spirit of Lifeline Ambulance through her compassion, service, professionalism and unwavering commitment to excellence.” 

The ceremony concluded with the placement of remembrance flags honoring those killed on Sept. 11 and service members who died in the War on Terror. As a bell tolled 11 times, representing major conflicts in American history, attendees stood in silence before an honor guard salute and the playing of taps. 

Before the evening ended, organizers encouraged residents to continue honoring the sacrifices of others through volunteer service. 

“What a better way to pay tribute to them than to give a little of your time for volunteering,” Mistress of Ceremonies Heather Wilson said. 

As the colors were retired and attendees departed, the ceremony's central message remained visible on the program and echoed throughout the event: Never Forget.  

For those who want to watch the full ceremony, a livestreamed version is available on the Columbia Basin Herald Facebook page.  

    Attendees stand with their hands over their hearts as the colors are retired at the conclusion of the Patriot Day ceremony Friday at the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata. The retirement of the colors marked the end of a ceremony honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and recognizing local first responders and veterans.
  

    Jessica Diaz of the Quincy Police Dept. smiles with family members after being recognized as the department’s First Responder of the Year during the Patriot Day ceremony Friday at the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata. Diaz was honored for her professionalism, compassion and dedication to serving the Quincy community.
  

    Soap Lake Police Chief Patrick Canady poses with administrative assistant Jody Siebert after Siebert was recognized as the Soap Lake Police Department's First Responder of the Year during the Patriot Day ceremony Friday at the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata. Siebert was honored for her dedication to the department and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that support public safety.