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Thompson Falls Police Chief Chris Nichols recently recognized some members of the National Guard who are helping on the Thorne Creek fire, including a Thompson Falls alum.

Detachments from the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard are relieving both fire crews and local police officers. Knowing this, Nichols decided to recognize some of them. As the Thorne Creek fire moves along the ridge behind Thompson Falls and up Thompson River, the fire crews have had their hands full. According to Nichols, the recent addition of the National Guard has been a great reprieve. Nichols is a Chief Master Sergeant with the Air Force National Guard and served across the state on fires himself. Prior to the National Guard's arrival, he and other police officers were helping to man the many checkpoints set up to keep people out of the danger zones.

The Army National Guard is taking over manning those checkpoints, and the Air Force National Guard is helping with mop-up efforts on the fire line. After having the checkpoints taken over, police can turn their attention back to keeping the peace, and with around 29 Army National Guard personnel, there can be more checkpoints set up. The soldiers are working 12-hour shifts to cover the points 24 hours a day. With mop up covered by the Air Force National Guard, the limited firefighter crews can work on areas in more immediate danger.

Knowing the effort and time these National Guard personnel are contributing, Nichols reached out to the superiors of the units to ask about any exceptional performers. He received several names and decided to drive out to honor several of them. According to Nichols, "These men and women have volunteered for this duty on their own volition. These are Montanans out to help Montana communities that are in need."

To honor them, Nichols reverted to a time-honored military tradition. The challenge coins, or meritorious service coins, are personal medals carried by military personnel. The coins signify outstanding service and are carried by personnel to award others they feel have risen above the call. These coins, when carried by a high-ranking person, will often have their name inscribed, showing who did the recognizing. The custom is popular in military and law enforcement communities.

Last Thursday, Nichols recognized three Army National Guard soldiers for their service, to "coin them," as he called it. The first he recognized was Specialist Kimberly Streeter. He then recognized, without his beforehand knowledge, her commander Sergeant First-Class Brian Knowles. The last recognized was Private First-Class Bradley Lantz, who is from Thompson Falls. According to Nichols, in volunteering, there are no guarantees where a person will be stationed across the state, however, by chance Lantz found himself back protecting his home. "It is nice to see familiar faces," said Lantz, and even though this is his first assignment, "it feels normal." According to commanding officer Knowles, Lantz was unable to participate in drills, which are the first thing soldiers must do after completing basic training. According to Knowles, that means Lantz is as fresh as they come. Knowles was impressed by how Lantz has been able to take these challenges in stride, and to perform admirably.

As Nichols shook each soldier's hand, he explained why they were being recognized, and said, "Thank you very much for coming out here and helping us." During the handshake, Nichols handed off one of the coins to each person, continuing, "That is the meaning of selfless service."