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Department of Ecology employees honored with Washington State Medal of Valor for Cle Elum rescue attempt
Summary
Four Department of Ecology employees received the Washington State Medal of Valor for attempting to rescue a trapped motorist after a vehicle fire on I‑90 west of Cle Elum on Oct. 3, 2024. Officials praised the team's courage and said their actions allowed the victim's family time to say goodbye.
Four Department of Ecology employees were presented the Washington State Medal of Valor during a ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, who said the awards recognize civilians who risk their personal safety to help others.
Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck recounted the Oct. 3, 2024 incident on Interstate 90 west of Cle Elum, where a motorist, identified in remarks as Christine, lost control of her vehicle after suffering a stroke, became trapped and the vehicle caught fire. "Despite the incredibly serious risk to their own safety, John Kalstrip, Alex Hernandez, Lisa Stingley and Dave Thompson pulled to the side of the road and attempted to extinguish those flames," Heck said, describing how the team forced open pinned doors and pulled the motorist to safety before first responders arrived.
Why it matters: The Medal of Valor is one of the state's highest civilian honors for acts in which private citizens risk their lives to save others. Officials said the Ecology employees’ actions, while unsuccessful in preventing the victim's later death from complications, allowed family members to be with her in her last days.
Details of the incident and recognition: Heck said the team rendered first aid until paramedics and a Kittitas County deputy sheriff arrived and transported the motorist to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. "Through their bravery, they gave her a chance to survive," Heck said. Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller praised the team’s "selflessness, your bravery, and your unwavering dedication" during brief remarks at the podium.
The ceremony: Governor Bob Ferguson presented the awards on behalf of the state. Secretary Hobbs introduced the honorees and thanked family members, nomination committee members and attending legislators. Officials invited the four Ecology employees to the podium to receive their recognition from state leaders.
What officials said next: Speakers framed the awards as a public expression of gratitude and noted that first responders are generally not eligible for this civilian medal because such actions are part of their duties; the medal instead recognizes civilians who do not expect to put themselves in harm’s way but do so for others.
Next steps and context: The awards are ceremonial honors bestowed by the state; there was no vote or formal policymaking action tied to the presentation. Officials asked attendees to join the honorees in recognizing the Department of Ecology team’s courage.
