First Response Photography's Awards

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Deputy Cassi Kopsa

“It is with great pride that I nominate Deputy Cassi Kopsa of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. As the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Florence-Carlton School District, Deputy Kopsa has exemplified professionalism, compassion, and dedication to both the students and the broader community she serves.

Deputy Kopsa goes above and beyond the traditional duties of law enforcement. Her presence at the schools is not only a source of safety but also of trust, mentorship, and genuine care. She has built meaningful relationships with students of all ages, staff, and parents—proving that community policing begins with strong human connections. Through daily interactions, classroom visits, and participation in extracurricular events, she has become an integral and positive influence in the lives of countless young people.

Deputy Kopsas's calm demeanor and approachability have made her a trusted resource for students facing personal or academic challenges, many of whom turn to her for guidance and support.

Beyond her role in the school district, Deputy Kopsa consistently demonstrates excellence in law enforcement professionalism. Whether responding to emergencies, assisting other deputies, or representing the Sheriff’s Office at community events, she embodies the values of integrity, service, and respect. Her proactive communication with school administrators and families ensures that issues are addressed before they escalate, keeping both the school and the community safer.

Deputy Kopsa’s commitment to the youth of Ravalli County extends beyond her assigned duties; she represents what it means to serve with heart. Her dedication, empathy, and tireless work ethic have left an indelible mark on the Florence-Carlton School District and the entire community. For her exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Cassi Kopsa is most deserving of the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.”

Paramedic Ashlyn Gertner

"It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate EMT-P Ashlyn Gertner for Emergency Medical Responder of the Year. Ashlyn exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, professionalism, and compassion in emergency medical services.

Over the past year, Ashlyn demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and commitment by successfully earning her Paramedic license, an achievement that reflects countless hours of study, training, and sacrifice. Throughout this demanding process, she continued to serve her community as an active EMT, balancing the rigors of paramedic school with the unpredictable and challenging schedule of emergency response work. Her determination to further her education and skills while maintaining exceptional performance on duty is a true testament to her work ethic and character. Ashlyn’s transition from EMT to Paramedic has been seamless—marked by her calm presence, sharp clinical judgment, and unwavering compassion for patients. She consistently approaches each call with professionalism and empathy, ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care, regardless of circumstance. Her ability to remain composed under pressure, communicate effectively with her team, and make sound medical decisions reflects her growing expertise and natural leadership qualities. Beyond her clinical excellence, Ashlyn serves as an inspiration to her peers. She leads by example—motivating others to pursue professional growth and demonstrating that dedication to learning directly enhances patient care and team performance. Her positive attitude, reliability, and genuine care for others make her not only an outstanding responder but also an invaluable member of her agency and community. Ashlyn’s journey to becoming a Paramedic represents more than personal achievement, it embodies the spirit of service, resilience, and continual improvement that defines the emergency medical profession. For her commitment to excellence, her tireless efforts to advance her skills, and her compassionate service to the community, EMT-P Ashlyn Gertner is highly deserving of the Emergency Medical Responder of the Year award..”  - CRFD EMS Captain Becky Byrne

Captain Theodore Jessop

Theodore Jessop exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional fire captain and is a deserving winner for Firefighter of the Year. As a dedicated leader, he consistently steps up to guide his team, sharing his knowledge and helping others understand and master new skills. His passion for teaching and mentoring fosters growth and confidence among his crew, making him an invaluable asset to the department. Theodore’s commitment to developing others, paired with his leadership and expertise, sets a high standard of excellence and embodies the true spirit of the fire service.