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Rep. Owens helps honor first responders at annual Veterans of Foreign Wars dinner

By Kelcie Hartley - | Aug 14, 2022
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Rep. Burgess Owens talks about first responders being a part of what makes the United States the greatest country during a dinner to honor firefighters and police officers of Northern Utah County, hosted by the Timpanogos Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at the Historic Courthouse in Provo.
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Rod Mann, candidate for Utah County auditor, speaks during the Veterans of Foreign Wars dinner Friday, Aug. 12, 2022.

The Timpanogos Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted its second annual dinner to honor firefighters and police officers of northern Utah County on Friday evening at the Historic Courthouse in Provo.

The individuals honored were Lindon Police Officer Jake Simmons, Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Shaun Shepherd, Lehi Fire Department firefighter/paramedic Aubrey Freiberg, Lehi Police Officer Scot Lefevre, Saratoga Springs Police Department Detective Mason Morgan, Saratoga Springs Fire Department firefighter/paramedic Tyson Frazier, American Fork Police Department Detective Kolten Fraughton, Pleasant Grove Fire Chief Kyle Hardy, Utah County Sheriff Matt Carson and Steve Gorrell of Utah County Search and Rescue.

Timpanogos Honor Guard members Kraig Thorne, Keith Hall, Steven Coron, Therral Curtis, James Theriault, Robert Bates, Wayne Peck and Gary Steele were also recognized.

VFW Commander Kraig Thorne said the honorees were nominated by the chief of the departments they serve.

“This is a way to honor those who serve us every day and put their lives on the line for our safety,” Thorne said.

Each honoree will be individually recognized and will receive a plaque from the VFW. Approximately 70 people attended the event in support of the honorees.

Fourth Congressional District Rep. Burgess Owens was one of the speakers at the event.

“The first thing we do is respect and honor our first responders,” Owens said. “It’s because of those who pay the price, who fight off evil that allows us to get up every single day and go about our work and school. Because of them, we will continue to grow an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a government that’s accountable and a nation that’s free. So, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking this task on.”

Utah County Commissioners Tom Sakeivich and Bill Lee also spoke at the event. Some of Sakievich’s talking points referred back to a resolution passed in May in which the commission pledged their support to law enforcement agencies within the county. After spending about 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Sakeivich said he has great respect and love for military and first responder personnel.

“These police officers and firefighters are some of the finest men and women in the country,” Sakeivich said. “They are resolute in their sworn duties to protect the constitutional rights of every resident. In some cases, with fire it’s double edged. It’s not only constitutional rights, but it’s also for no other reason than protection of the person or persons involved. Both fire and police need every person’s full support.”

Lee said the event made him think of his father, William Edward Lee jr., who served in the Army.

“I see the face of my father who passed away earlier this year,” he said. “He served in the United States Army and lived his whole life grateful for the freedoms we enjoy. He was optimistic that the best days of our country are ahead of us.

“In a world tormented by tension and the possibilities of conflict, I am comforted by remembering the life example of American veterans, like yourselves. Those who are willing to kiss loved ones goodbye, lay life’s comforts aside and take up arms to confront the tyrants and violence of this world.”

Rod Mann, who won the primary election for Utah County auditor against Rudy Livingston, talked about past examples of how well he’s seen first responders work together.

“When that call comes in or the bell rings, you guys are unified,” he said. “Whatever problems existed before, they don’t matter because what’s important is the life you’re saving. In the last couple years, I’ve had two people that I know, one of them was my wife, that if it wasn’t for the first responders, they wouldn’t be alive today.”

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