Ephrata Honors 9/11, First Responders

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  Ephrata held a Patriot Day ceremony on September 11, 2026“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.”
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  The Patriot Day ceremony honored victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks“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.”
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  The Patriot Day ceremony recognized local first responders“A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to honoring First Responders of the Year selected by agencies throughout Grant County.”
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  American Legion Post 28 hosted the event“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.”
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  Commander Jeff Crowsey noted the 343 firefighters and other first responders who died during the attacks“Crowsey noted that 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port Authority officers and 343 firefighters died responding to the attacks.”
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  The ceremony included a fire service memorial“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.”
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  The ceremony included a moment of silence“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.”
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  Local first responders received awards“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. 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.”
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  Gabrielle Etheridge was awarded as MACC 911 Dispatcher of the Year“For MACC 911, Gabrielle “Gabby” Etheridge was recognized as Dispatcher of the Year.”
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  Emily Grass was awarded as Ephrata Fire Dept. Firefighter of the Year“At the Ephrata Fire Dept., firefighter Emily Grass received Firefighter of the Year honors.”
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  Grant County Fire District 7 honored Capt. Jake Friesen as First Responder of the Year“Grant County Fire District 7 recognized Capt. Jake Friesen as its First Responder of the Year.”
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  Capt. Jake Friesen served as a Marine Corps veteran“Long before Jake put turnout gear on for Fire District Seven, Jake answered a different call for service,”
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  Capt. Jake Friesen served as a wildfire coordinator“Chief Erik Brittain highlighted Friesen’s service as both a Marine Corps veteran and wildfire coordinator.”