The Centralia City Council meeting on Tuesday night was packed with emergency responders as the Centralia Police Department recognized its officers, employees and volunteers during an awards ceremony.
Two officers received the Medal of Distinction, the police department’s second highest award.
“It is awarded to department members who distinguish themselves in the line of duty by acts of personal bravery, not falling within the guidelines for the Medal of Valor,” Police Chief Carl Nielsen said, adding it is presented in the form of a medal, a ribbon bar and a certificate.
Officers Philip Weismiller and Ruben Ramirez received the honor for their brave acts on the morning of March 4 when the department was advised of a residential fire in the 900 block of Ham Hill Road that claimed the lives of three children, Ben Tower, 12, Maddy, 10, and Sam, 7.