ZILLAH--Serve Washington has selected Zillah resident Paul Stonemetz as a recipient of the 2024 Washington State Volunteer Service Awards for the South Central region of Washington.
Stonemetz has been a volunteer firefighter City of Zillah Volunteer Firefighters Association for 39 years, including the past nine years he has served as chief. He manages a team of volunteers who respond to evening emergency calls. During the day, Stonemetz responds to daytime emergency calls. He also ensures volunteer firefighters stay up to date on their training.
"Paul's dedication and commitment serves the most vulnerable of our community's population, as well as many members of the Yakama Nation who reside in and around the city," according to his nominator.
Stonemetz is retiring from the Zillah Fire Department in April of 2024. He said the best part of being a volunteer firefighter is "You can give back to your community."
Zillah Fire Department: https://www.cityofzillah.us/departments/fire/index.php
