Three fire districts from Clallam County were honored with awards and commendations during the 2014 Washington State Fire Commissioners Association (WFCA) convention in Spokane last month.

During the annual conference, fire districts are judged on the innovative programs, management techniques and accomplishments over the past year, and winners are chosen receive the Management Excellence Award in four divisions based on budget size.

Clallam County Fire District 3 (Sequim) won second place in Division “A” (operating budgets of $4 million or more). This category includes the largest cities in the state, including Seattle, Spokane, Olympia and Tacoma. Fire commissioner James Barnfather of Sequim accepted the award.

Clallam County Fire District 4 (Joyce) was awarded first place in Division “D” (operating budgets under $500,000). Fire commissioner Sam Nugent of Joyce accepted the award.

“We are very proud that Clallam County is so well represented at these awards,” said Nugent. “It is an honor to be part of such an outstanding group. This award speaks to the level of dedication and passion of our volunteers, staff and community who make our districts the best in the state.” The association also honored Clallam County Fire District 2 (Port Angeles) Commissioner Richard “Dick” Ruud for his 60 years of service.

District 2 Fire Chief Sam Phillips and WFCA Executive Secretary Roger Ferris presented the awards to Ruud.

The keynote speaker at the 2014 event was New York Fire Department Lt. Joe Torrilla (Ret.), buried alive twice during the horrors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.