Spokane County’s wildfire heroes recognized on national stage in New York City

Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel from across Spokane County were honored in New York City’s Times Square on Wednesday for their response to the Spokane Complex Fires that erupted on Aug. 1, according to a joint press release from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane County Fire District 9.

The National First Responders Children’s Foundation recognized Spokane County agencies with its National Disaster Response Award, honoring the efforts of first responders who worked to protect lives, homes, and communities during the fires and throughout the recovery effort.

Spokane Fire Chief Tom Williams, Spokane County Fire District 4 Chief Mike Nokes, Fire District 9 Chief Matt Vinci, Fire District 10 Chief Don Malone, and Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels traveled to New York City to accept the award on behalf of their agencies.

Roll Call Heroes Ceremony in Times Square honors Spokane County first responders for Spokane Complex Fires response. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels receives award. (Photo courtesy: First Responders Children’s Foundation.)

Award details

The foundation hosted a recognition ceremony in Times Square to celebrate firefighters and law enforcement officers who responded to the Spokane Complex Fires and continued supporting residents and recovery operations in the days and weeks that followed.

The award recognizes the frontline personnel who battled the fires, protected homes, helped displaced residents and coordinated response efforts across multiple jurisdictions. Officials said the honor also reflects the teamwork and cooperation among firefighters, deputies, dispatchers, emergency personnel and support staff who worked under rapidly changing conditions throughout the incident.

The recognition extends beyond first responders to the families and community members who supported emergency personnel during the fires, the release said.

While agency leaders accepted the award in New York City, officials said the recognition belongs to every first responder and public safety employee who helped protect lives and property during the Spokane Complex Fires.

The National First Responders Children’s Foundation covered travel and lodging expenses for those who attended the ceremony.

Spokane Complex Fires

The Spokane Complex Fire includes the Autumn Lane Fire, Old Trails Fire, and the Fairview Fire. The flames impacted and destroyed about 833 homes across Spokane County in August 2026.

Firefighters from across the U.S. responded to the fires in eastern Washington with suppression efforts totaling $30 million dollars, according to a government agency page, Official Fire Information.

Spokane County officials said the award honors the courage, dedication, and resilience demonstrated by first responders and the communities they serve.

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