Another reason to love fire fighters

As my final assignment as a reporter for the South Valley Journal, I covered the South Jordan Fire Fighters award banquet held October 8th. I actually quit my job last month, but at my friend/Fire Chief Chris Evans request, I agreed to cover the event because I have come to like the department so much over the last four years. I certainly didn’t want to miss their first-ever award ceremony. Plus I make it a point never to miss an opportunity for a free meal.

They mailed me an invitation and it looked to be a pretty formal event, so I used that as an excuse to buy a new dress.

I was glad I had a new dress because the first award they presented went to me! I wondered why they were so adamant that I cover this event.


This is me, my award and Fire Chief Chris Evans whom I have very much enjoyed harassing by phone, e-mail and in person with interviews and plentiful photo opportunities.

They awarded it to me under the grounds of Community Service. I have probably written close to a dozen articles over the four years I have worked for the paper about all the cool/cutting-edge/heroic/genius ideas and interventions they have done to save lives in and around South Jordan. I was just doing my job, and they made it really easy.



Here’s PIO Nate Morreale (who must have been very tired after the 4+ hour banquet and couldn’t keep his eyes open in any of my pics) Mayor Kent Money, Me and Steve and Chris Evans.

I know everyone loves fire fighters, but I especially love these fire fighters and really appreciate them thinking of me, but if anyone deserves a Community Service award…it’s them. Fortunately the rest of the four and a half hour banquet honored the many heroic acts they have provided over the last year.

I was hugely honored to receive this award especially from this group whom I respect so much. I was so glad Steve, who missed an important after hours work meeting was there to share it with me. I have the best husband.


Here's me at home placing my award in what Steve refers to as my tower of power consisting of my diploma's and the two other awards I have recieved in my reporting career.

If you know a firefighter, give them a hug and say thanks, especially since they kept our town from burning down a couple weeks ago.



Look at these handsome heroic men. Mmm,mmm. Oh was that out loud?