Two Chehalis Fire Department firefighters — Shane Schow and Braxton Traylor — were promoted to captain on Monday, Oct. 23, during the beginning of the Chehalis City Council meeting.
Following their promotions, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum delivered a proclamation making this Saturday, Oct. 28, National First Responders Day within the city. Congress first designated the national holiday in 2019 when the U.S. Senate passed a concurrent resolution establishing it to honor the nation’s first responders.
“First responders risk their own safety and wellbeing in the performance of their duties to protect citizens,” Ketchum said.
He asked Chehalis residents to thank first responders for their efforts and sacrifices.
Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright conducted the badge pinning ceremonies for Schow and Traylor and had both men take the fire officer’s pledge.
“(The fire officer’s pledge) is essentially pledging to take care of those under their charge,” Fulbright said.
According to Fulbright, Schow has 18 years of experience in firefighting and emergency medical services, including the last three in Chehalis. Traylor has been with the City of Chehalis for nearly eight years and has 10 years of experience.
Schow was pinned by his wife, Jennica, while Traylor was pinned by his three children, Aiden, Leo and Mia.
