Bryce Twilleger has been selected as the Responder of the Month for January and Jacob Mendoza the Responder of the Month for February.
The first Responder of the Week for 2026, Twilleger is a Grant County firefighter who has spent the past five years answering the call when the community needs help the most.
Twilleger said he was initially drawn to firefighting for the adrenaline — the rush that comes with stepping into dangerous situations. Over time, that motivation has evolved into something deeper. Today, he points to the strong sense of brotherhood within the Grant County Fire Department and the opportunity to serve neighbors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Twilleger and his wife, Gabrielle, were married in 2021 and are kept busy raising their two-year-old daughter. He credits his family for making his demanding schedule possible.
Jacob Mendoza
Mendoza, a longtime Ulysses resident who serves the community as a lineman and crew foreman with Pioneer Electric, was born and raised in Ulysses. Mendoza and his wife, Tori Billings, was also born and raised here. The couple have two daughters, Emily and Avery.
Mendoza has worked for Pioneer Electric for 11 years. To earn his journeyman lineman certification, he completed four years of coursework and training, a process which prepared him for the demanding and often dangerous nature of the job.
As a lineman, Mendoza responds to emergencies caused by accidents, severe weather, and power outages, all while working to keep the public safe. He said helping members during those moments of need brings a sense of fulfillment that can’t be replaced.
Responders are the glue that keeps a community together. We thank them for all they do.
To donate to the 2026 gift basket, contact:
The Ulysses News ~ 206 E Grant Ave
620-356-1201
news2@ulyssesnews.com
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