By Dianne McGinness; contributing writer

When it comes to catching fugitives, Lakewood police detective Ryan Larson has a pretty strong track record.

He caught three Pierce County fugitives in one week, earning him the March Officer of the Month Award for the “Washington’s Most Wanted” television show on Q13 Fox.

He will receive his award at 10:30 tonight on the telecast.

Larson has a knack for finding fugitives because of his commitment to his job, said Assistant Police Chief Mike Zaro.

“You just can’t say enough about that kind of dedication and vigilance,” Zaro said.

Larson’s first capture …

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A memorial stone at a University Place park holds two names: Merritt Nichols and Raymond Kadow.

Both men were volunteer firefighters for West Pierce Fire & Rescue, and both men were killed in the line of duty.

They are now honored by the decorative stone set in 9/11 Reflection Park. Etched into the stone are these words: “We will never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. May they be forever in our hearts and minds.”

It was dedicated March 2.

Nichols was killed May 11, 1962, while responding to a call for a baby …

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Two South King Fire & Rescue firefighters were recognized this week for saving a colleague’s life after he was struck by an out-of-control vehicle that slid on an icy road in Federal Way.

Firefighter Wynn Loiland, 52, was hit by a car at the scene of a rollover crash on Interstate 5 in November.

Lt. John Riley and firefighter Rob Pysher “reacted swiftly and professionally despite the horror of watching their engine driver struck and pinned between two vehicles,” according to a department news release.

Wynn was hospitalized for several months with a severe head injury. He retired last …

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Tacoma firefighter Matt Fleming has been awarded a medal of valor – the department’s highest honor – for rescuing a flailing swimmer in Commencement Bay.

It is only the fourth time in 12 years that the department has given out the award, which is reserved for emergency incidents where firefighters show bravery and courage.

Fleming earned the medal for his actions June 5, when crews responded to a capsizing boat in Commencement Bay. They found one person on board was able to swim to shore and the other was clinging to a floatation device about 100 feet offshore.

While waiting …

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The commissioners of West Pierce Fire & Rescue have honored a Lakewood police sergeant who was credited with saving the life of a choking 9-year-old girl last month.

The commissioners presented Sgt. John Fraser with a lifesaving award at their meeting Tuesday night.

Fraser and Lakewood police Lt. Chris Lawler were eating dinner at a teriyaki restaurant the night of Feb. 15 when Fraser jumped from his chair to help the girl, who was holding her throat and choking.

Fraser performed the Heimlich maneuver on her as Lawler called for firefighters. After the fifth try, an object came out of …

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Two King County sheriff’s deputies will be among the recipients today at the Sheriff’s Office’s annual awards ceremony.

The ceremony will honor citizens and deputies for their work over the past year.

Here’s information from the King County Sheriff’s Office on two of the honorees:

Captain Bryan Howard will receive the Livesaver Award. On November 6, 2010, Capt. Howard was off duty but arrived at the scene of a farm tractor accident on the Auburn-Enumclaw Road.  A 15 year-old boy driving the tractor was struck from behind by another vehicle.  The accident threw the boy and

…

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A Pierce County superior judge has been named judge of the year by the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Frank Cuthbertson, who was appointed to his post in 2001, will be given the award at a dinner in Seattle Oct. 15.

Here’s a portion of the press release from Pierce County:

The award honors members of the judiciary who demonstrate unswerving dedication to the right to trial by jury, access to justice for all people, and civility among lawyers, litigants and the judiciary.

Established in 1957, the American Board of Trial Advocates is a national organization made up equally of

…

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Two Pierce County Superior Court judges were honored this week by statewide associations.

The Washington Women Lawyers honored Judge Elizabeth Martin with its “Passing the Torch” award.

The award recognizes efforts to mentor women attorneys and “to promote equal rights and opportunities for women and to prevent discrimination against them,” according to a press release issued by Pierce County.

The Asian Bar Association of Washington honored Judge Linda Lee with its “Judge of the Year” award.

The award recognizes judges who support “the legal needs and interests of the Asian Pacific American community by promoting justice, …

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