MHA EOC celebrates first responders

Marle Baker, shown with a Star Quilt, was recognized as First Responder of the Year and also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Emergency Services Appreciation Day in New Town. Photo by Micah Moore.
The MHA Emergency Operations Center (EOC) celebrated local tribal and nontribal first responders at the 2025 Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Emergency Services Appreciation Day in New Town. Honorees were selected by their peers for outstanding service across emergency disciplines.
Marle Baker was recognized as First Responder of the Year and also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Volunteers of the Year were Lyda Jade Spotted Bear and Vel Marie Yellow Wolf. Excellence in Service Awards went to Joseph Silveria and Nyamkhorol Reese.
Other award recipients were:
– Emergency Telecommunications Operator of the Year, Francesca Morgan.

Receiving the Volunteer of the Year awards at an appreciation day for first responders are Lyda Jade Spotted Bear and Vel Marie Yellow Wolf. Photo by Micah Moore.
– Firefighter of the Year, structural, Tevin Dixon, and wildland, Bronson Flynn.
– EMS of the Year, EMR, Katarina Nyberg; EMT, Peter Go; AEMT, Mercury White; Paramedic, Mason Terry.
– Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Patrol, Jackie Grinnell; K-9 Team, Erick Torres and K-9 Cali; School Resource Officer, Michael Roy; Investigations, Ku’u Ikalka Shook; Game Warden, Beaufort Joe.
– Corrections Officer of the Year, Joseph Poplardo.
– Security Officer of the Year, Alice McKinney.

Michael Roy received the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for a school resource officer at the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Emergency Services Appreciation Day in New Town. Photo by Micah Moore.
– Emergency Management Professional of the Year, Emily Sitting Bear.
– Training Officer of the Year, Matthew Heidbreder.
– Operator of the Year, Roads, Gary Danks; Utilities, Micheal Bintliff; Facilities, Robert Hinshaw.
– Supervisor of the Year, Anthony Gonzalez.
– Rookie of the Year, Patrol, Bianca Chase; Fire, Shay LaCroix; Search and Rescue, Justin Heart Sr.
- Marle Baker, shown with a Star Quilt, was recognized as First Responder of the Year and also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Emergency Services Appreciation Day in New Town. Photo by Micah Moore.
- Receiving the Volunteer of the Year awards at an appreciation day for first responders are Lyda Jade Spotted Bear and Vel Marie Yellow Wolf. Photo by Micah Moore.
- Michael Roy received the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for a school resource officer at the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Emergency Services Appreciation Day in New Town. Photo by Micah Moore.





