SOAR Recipents Mesquite PD Officer Wyatt Oliver and Firefighter Spencer Lewis, with Mesquite Rotary President Linda Gault and Rotary Assistant Governor Jake Noll. Submitted photo.
Mesquite Police Officer Wyatt Oliver and Mesquite Firefighter Spencer Lewis were among the more than one hundred southern Nevada safety officers recognized for outstanding service at this year’s SOAR Ceremony on Monday, September 8, 2014.
This is the 13th year that Rotary Clubs of Southern Nevada have recognized the service and dedication given to their communities by area law enforcement, firefighters, the Nevada Highway Patrol, members of Nellis Air Force Base, the US Forest Service, the US Marshals, and Civil Air Patrol. Area Assistant Rotary Governor Jake Noll, and Mesquite Rotary President Linda Gault, were on hand at Monday’s awards ceremony to present the Mesquite recipients with their awards. “This is the third year I have traveled down to Las Vegas to help acknowledge the wonderful service our Mesquite offices provide this community,” noted Gault. “We can all feel very secure in the safety and abilities these policeman and firefighters provide. They can’t be thanked enough.”
Officers are selected from among their ranks for outstanding service throughout the year. Chief Tanner and Fire Chief Christopher submit their selection to the Summerlin Rotary Club in Las Vegas who then makes arrangements for presentations to take place in the Clark County Commission Chambers annually.
Officer Oliver was recognized for his efforts to contain graffiti in our community that relate to gang activity, thus diminishing that influence among our younger people. Firefighter Spencer Lewis was recognized for his efforts to bring the “Vial of Life” to Mesquite. This program will assist Emergency Responders identify those who are in need of special care upon arrival.
This year both Gault and Noll were on hand to also present awards to the courageous State Troopers who maintained order and peace during the Bundy standoff earlier this year. “All of the individuals recognized deserved this recognition,” stated Noll. “We heard some amazing stories of bravery and assistance to residents in the southern Nevada communities. Linda and I were proud to have participated and to have represented Mesquite.”
There are 17 Rotary clubs in southern Nevada that participate in this annual recognition event.
