First responders honored by Sonoma County for service during October wildfires

More than 60 Sonoma County first responders attended a Tuesday event recognizing their service during the October wildfires, as local officials unveiled commemorative coins created for the men and women who defended the county against its worst natural disaster.

All five members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff Rob Giordano and county Assistant Fire Chief James Williams took turns expressing their gratitude to firefighters from various agencies in the county, law enforcement officers and paramedics who responded to the firestorm three months ago.

The commemorative challenge coins - which are often granted in the military to recognize special achievement - feature the names of the various fires that burned in Sonoma County around the county seal on one side. The other side includes symbols of firefighting agencies, law enforcement and paramedics, the dates of the fires and the message “Sonoma Strong.”

Community Foundation Sonoma County bought 5,000 of the coins for $12,500 with donated funds.

Supervisors also adopted a special resolution Tuesday in honor of first responders who served during the fires.