The Park City Elks Lodge honored area first responders on Saturday during a ceremony held as crews continued to fight a wildfire on the East Side of Summit County. The efforts to stop the Rocky Canyon Fire were noted at the Rotary Park gathering of personnel from various emergency agencies, as t he Elks Lodge named those selected for the annual awards. The event drew dozens of emergency responders and their families for a barbecue and the awards ceremony. It is among the largest gatherings of emergency agencies in Park City each year. “We’re indebted to these first responders in a way we can never pay back,” said Michael DeJarnette, the exalted ruler of the local Elks Lodge. He said Park City is an active community that requires the work of the first responders. He also said there is danger of avalanches, fires, flash floods and crime. DeJarnette said there is “such a high level of safety and order” in the community. “We just know they’re there if something goes wrong,” he said. “They’re willing to put the community first, citizens first, and take risks not everyone is willing to take.” Each honoree received a $250 check and gift cards to local businesses. They also were given the opportunity to allocate a $1,000 scholarship at their discretion. The honorees, with biographical information compiled by the Elks Lodge: Hudson Zwahlen, the Park City Fire District firefighter of the year: Zwahlen has worked for the district for over six years, advancing clinical expertise and earning certifications in flight paramedic and critical care. He also is a member of the team assigned to wildland fires and the medic for Summit County SWAT. “His commitment to advanced prehospital medicine, mentoring developing paramedics, and serving the community where he was born and raised makes him an exceptional representative of our district,” the Elks Lodge says. Gabrielle Longchamp, the Park City Fire District EMS paramedic of the year: Longchamp arrived at the district in 2023 with a background in subjects like neuroscience, biotechnology and hospital care. She also brought experience in ski patrol and rescues in the outdoors. Longchamp finished paramedic school and is trained as an EMS instructor. “Gabrielle’s dedication also extends to supporting her fellow first responders, including completing a 50-kilometer trail race to raise funds for the Responder Alliance Foundation,” the Elks Lodge says. Jake Odom, the Utah Highway Patrol trooper of the year in the agency’s Section 7: Odom is from Georgia, arrived in Utah nine years ago as a student at the University of Utah, and began his time at the Highway Patrol in 2023. He has been a corporal since December. The Elks Lodge says the trooper “has been awarded a Medal of Excellence for stopping a wrong way driver” and became a certified motor officer, Section 7’s first. He has been a key in training troopers as well, according to the Elke Lodge. Katie James, the Park City Police Department’s officer of the year: James, a detective, started her work with the agency in 2023 and worked in law enforcement in California previously. She has “established herself as an exceptional investigator whose professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to serving others have consistently exceeded expectations throughout her law enforcement career,” according to the Elks Lodge. The biographical materials say “Detective James has demonstrated remarkable perseverance by taking ownership of challenging cases that require patience, creativity and relentless follow through. Rather than focusing solely on case disposition, she remains committed to ensuring victims receive the attention, compassion, and advocacy they deserve throughout the investigative process. Her dedication has earned the respect of victims, fellow investigators, prosecutors, and partner agencies alike.” Sgt. Zachary Howick, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputy of the year: Howick has been crucial to the agency’s off-highway vehicle, or OHV, program. He has “been instrumental in identifying equipment needs, acquiring and implementing new OHV platforms and trailers, developing operational plans, and ensuring the unit is prepared to meet the increasing demands placed upon it,” the Elks Lodge says. He played an important role in the efforts to combat the Beulah Fire in 2025 in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. “Recognizing the rapidly evolving nature of the incident, Sergeant Howick effectively organized and deployed OHV resources to areas inaccessible to traditional emergency vehicles. His foresight, decisive leadership, and operational planning allowed evacuation efforts to begin quickly, contributing to an organized and efficient evacuation process that enhanced public safety and supported the broader incident objectives,” according to the Elks Lodge. Kevan Todd, the Summit County Search Rescue first responder of the year: Todd has been involved with Summit County Search Rescue as a 34-year volunteer. “Search and Rescue has never been just about finding lost hikers or responding to emergencies. For Kevan, it has been about people. Through countless training exercises, late-night callouts, difficult rescues, and shared victories, he has formed lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers and their families,” the Elks Lodge says. The biographical information also says: “Over the years, Kevan has experienced moments that have forever changed his perspective on life. From helping reunite families to providing comfort during someone’s darkest hour, every rescue has reinforced the value of compassion, teamwork, and service. While the work has often been physically demanding and emotionally challenging, it has also been deeply rewarding. Knowing that he has been able to make a difference in the lives of others is something he considers one of the greatest blessings of his life.” The post Park City-area first responders honored for taking ‘risks not everyone is willing to take’ appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less