VFW gives awards for firefighter, EMT of the year
Photo provided Austin Lowe, in black, receives the Firefighter of the Year Award from Bigfork VFW members Mike Bennett, Russell Chapman and Mike Houston last week.
The Bigfork Veterans of Foreign Wars honored some of Bigfork’s finest last Thursday when they recognized the firefighter and emergency medical technician of the year.
Bigfork Fire Chief Chuck Harris nominated 21-year-old firefighter Austin Lowe. Harris said Lowe is “full of energy and always here to help solely for his interest to learn.”
Lowe received a plaque at the department’s business meeting on Thursday night.
Though he was not there to accept, the EMT of the year award was given to Chad Wermer, who ironically recently turned in his resignation from the force.
Bigfork EMT member Tracey Norred said Wermer was a “great EMT who was slated to be the next president” of the organization, but decided that he needed to spend more time with his young family.
Wermer is also a firefighter and a member of Flathead Search and Rescue.
“Chad’s a great guy and will be missed,” Norred said.