Cat Cotton Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington Firefighters Association

The Snoqualmie Fire Department introduced new firefighters during the May 8 City Council meeting with a pinning ceremony. New Volunteer Firefighters include Kristen Favro, Bir Davinder Badesha, Colin Kubota, Josh Phahongchanh, and John Mutyaba. New career firefighters include Zach Schumann, Tylor Fisher, Albert (Bert) Wolf, and Nick Lathrop. 

Firefighters Honored with Departmental Awards, State Award 

The Fire Department also noted several honorees of this year’s departmental awards, including Catherine (Cat) Cotton, who was awarded the Bud King Award along with a state award; John Solms, who received the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award; and Robert Angrisano, who was honored with the Fire Chief’s Medal. Firefighter efforts included rescues, community service, and vaccine clinics – all of which had a big impact on our community.

Cat Cotton is the recipient of a state Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Fire Fighters Association. The association honored her with this award for her years of service, including work as a board member of the Snoqualmie Volunteer Firefighters Association and service in a variety of Fire Department endeavors like training and the annual Pancake Breakfast. She was also awarded the departmental Bud King Award, named after retired Volunteer Firefighter Bud King and given to a Fire Department member who has provided extraordinary service. 

In addition, Cat Cotton received a Unit Citation for her role in a large-animal rescue call in September, 2022. The Fire Department awards a Unit Citation to a group of responders whose actions were remarkable and above the normal call of service. Cat, a veterinarian in addition to serving as an EMT, began assisting with the rescue until a large animal rescue team arrived from Snohomish County. Other firefighters awarded in this Unit Citation were LT. Ben Parker, Firefighter Darby Summers, and Firefighter Theresa Tozier. 

John Solms received the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award. The Snoqualmie Firefighters Association shares this recognition with a firefighter who exemplifies the attributes of a volunteer responder. John demonstrated his commitment to the organization through a willingness to lend a hand as well as service as association president. 

Robert Angrisano was recognized as the Top Responder for responding to more than 60 incidents in 2022, a remarkable accomplishment. Robert also received the Fire Chief’s Medal – an award given at the discretion of the Fire Chief for exemplary service – for his work on vaccine clinics offered at the Fire Station and the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. Robert is estimated to have administered more than 10,000 vaccinations throughout the pandemic. Chief Correira said “Through his efforts in vaccine clinics, Robert’s actions have saved countless lives and reduced unnecessary suffering in the region.” 

Here is a full list of the Snoqualmie Fire Department honorees: 

• Years of Service:
  1. FF Theresa Tozier – 5 years
  2. VEMS Jess Curlee – 15 years
• Certificate of Appreciation:
  1. VEMS Robert Angrisano (Lead Volunteer)
• Distinguished Service:
  1. LT Matt West – Engine Spec Committee
  2. FF Bill Wisham – Engine Spec Committee
• Bud King Award (Community Service):
  1. Cat Cotton
• Top Responder (most incidents in 2022)
  1. Robert Angrisano
• Volunteer Responder of the Year:
  1. VEMS John Solms
• Career Firefighter of the Year:
  1. FF Steve Randall (Ret.)
• Unit Citation – Sept. 5, 2022 Braeburn Incident
  1. A. LT Ben Parker
  2. FF Darby Summers
  3. FF Theresa Tozier
  4. VEMS Cat Cotton
• Fire Chief’s Medal:
  1. Robert Angrisano for his vaccine clinics protecting the Department and Community throughout the global pandemic.

Caption: Fire Chief Mark Correira, Robert Angrisano, Cat Cotton, Mayor Katherine Ross in the City Council Chambers. 

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