A Washington State Department of Natural Resources employee was honored Friday for his work during the 2015 wildfire season. Spokane County Fire District 9 Chief Jack Cates awarded DNR Forester Chris Pearson and Lieutenant Chris Pauletto, the Fire District 9 Medal of Valor for demonstrated bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Pearson was the first non-district person to be awarded the honor, earned while battling the Rutter Canyon Fire. Pauletto and Pearson worked together to stop the fire, which threatened multiple homes and infrastructure.