Outstanding Citizens Honored by Legion

The American Legion, Redfield, honored community members on Wednesday, March 6th, at Clay Kiser Post 92. The honors were for Outstanding Educator of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and Emergency Medical Technician of the Year.
Larry Price, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee for the Legion, explained that the winners were chosen based not only on their professionalism, but also on how much they gave to the community. A good community is made up of people who serve. he said.
One difference this year was the splitting of the firefighter/EMT award into 2 separate awards. Price stated that South Dakota was the first state to do this. The petition started here, then was taken to state then national Legion conventions.
Community members were nominated via letters of recommendation. Price read excerpts of these, and Legion leader handed out the award plaques.
The Outstanding Educator of the Year award went to Julie Rozell, who was nominated by Angela Falk, Redfield Elementary School Principal. Falks recommendation stated, in part: Ms. Rozell is a dedicated teacher; she is a great asset to our athletics; she assists with Walk to Read, helping 2nd-graders read better; she does lunchroom duty; she is willing to pick up students for Enrichment Days; sets up various special activity days; and she teaches multiple skills to students, such as tying shoes and and teamwork. Julie is always wanting to help get our students interested in different activities to help them in the future.
Eric Shueth, EMT-P, was nominated for Outstanding EMT of the Year by Ron Wren, PA-C. Wren wrote the nomination letter on behalf of Dr. Matt Owens, who passed away last Nov. Owens had been Shueths long-time supervisor.
Wrens letter listed exemplary leadership in Shueths position with the ambulance service. Shueth increased the number of volunteer EMTs. The fact alone that Spink County Ambulance is fully staffed is a testament to Erics leadership, dedication, and forward thinking through training future EMTs. Wren added If I have any need of help in the emergency department, clinic, or inpatient, I can call him and he will come to help.
Finally, Wren said Eric exemplifies all that is good about rural South Dakota. He sees a need and acts upon it.
Firefighter Rich Gruenwald was the nominee for that category of Outstanding awards. His nomination came from fire chief Jay Hermann. Hermanns letter noted a vast wealth of fire fighting knowledge and leadership. It also noted that Gruenwald mentors younger firefighters; has willingness to share his knowledge; is a voice of leadership; and Gruenwald also has his own business. Gruenwald was fire chief from 1999-2021. Over the course of his firefighting career, he received many honors, including an Executive Proclamation of Valor, signed by Gov. Bill Janklow.
Chief Deputy Brett Christmas was nominated for Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Christman stated that he was willing to cover other positions at the sheriffs department during shortages in staffing. He also stated In the last 4 years of my career, I have led the Spink County Sheriffs Office in every statistical category that we track. This includes, but is not limited to: DUIs, felony drug arrests, misdemeanor drug arrests, and total criminal files.
Spink County Sheriff Jenna Appel wrote the nomination letter. In it, she said Without the assistance of Chief Deputy Christman, I know we would not be in as good of shape as we are at this time. She described him as a man of his word.
Dinner was served by the Sons of the Legion, an organization for children of service members. The Sons of the Legion Commander, Shane Lambert, was in attendance. Awards were handed out by Redfield Legion Commander Brad Englund.