Newcomer "Misha" a drug sniffing dog with the Winlock Police Department keeps close to her partner as she is introduced.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
WINLOCK – Those gathered last night at the Winlock Community Center got a chance to meet the town’s incoming drug-sniffing police dog and hear praise for outgoing Fire Chief Jon Hensley.
Hensley was called a firefighter who was baptized in fire and blood and came out steel.
A commissioner for Lewis County Fire District 15 recalled one of Hensley’s responses in which he entered a house fully involved in flames to save three lives.
“The fire flashed over and blew him down the stairwell and he went back up and got the three children,” Commissioner Randy Pennington said.
When Hensley’s helmet afterward was sent to be examined, they discovered it had been damaged from heat in excess of 1200 degrees, Pennington said.
Hensley has been with the department 27 years, most of them as chief, Pennington said. The district just got word he is retiring.
“When you see Jon, extend a hand in gratitude to him,” Pennington said. “He has left us a tremendous legacy in more ways than one.”
It was the annual law and order appreciation night dinner hosted by American Legion Post 101.
Responders and others who serve South Lewis County were introduced, recognized for their service and thanked.
Winlock Police Department Chief Terry Williams introduced “Misha” a canine who since she came on the job in June has already found methamphetamine and marijuana.
The 3-year-old Belgian Malinois – from Mexico – is trained to also sniff out heroin and cocaine.
She specializes in drugs, not tracking people, according to her handler, Officer Steve Miller.
Lewis County Commissioners Bill Schulte and Ron Averill presented several awards.
Not present were Washington State Patrol Trooper Jason Hicks who was honored with a certificate of commendation and Trooper Mike Anderson, who won the year’s humanitarian lifesaver award.
The excellence in civic duty honors went to Municipal Court Judge Steve Buzzard.
Two individuals from the Winlock area fire department, District 15, were recognized.
Firefighter-EMT Vikki Bolden was named EMS person of the year and Firefighter-EMT Patrick Jacobson was named firefighter of the year
The law officer of the year award went to Sgt. Rob Snaza, of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
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Law Officer of the Year Award:
Sgt. Rob Snaza
Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
Rob Snaza
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Firefighter of the Year Award:
Firefighter-EMT Patrick Jacobson
Lewis County Fire District 15
Patrick Jacobson
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EMS Person of the Year Award:
Firefighter-EMT Vikki Bolden
Lewis County Fire District 15
Vikki Bolden
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Excellence in Civic Duty Award:
Judge Steve Buzzard
Municipal Courts
Steve Buzzard
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter