Who Will Be Responder Of The Year?

After strong participation from the community throughout the year, the final decision for 2025 Responder of the Year is now in the hands of local readers and viewers.

What began as weekly community nominations for Responder of the Week was narrowed down to Responder of the Month selections. The Ulysses News has now opened public voting to determine who will be honored as Responder of the Year. Voting is open through January 14 and is available via a Google Form, accessible by scanning the provided QR code above.

Nominees represent a wide range of public safety and healthcare professions, each recognized for their dedication and service to Grant County.

January’s Responder of the Month is Robert Stamey, who has served with Grant County EMS since 1993. February’s honoree, Craig Hampton, has worked in law enforcement since 2008 and currently serves as Grant County Undersheriff. March’s recipient, Jeff Baier, has served as a Grant County firefighter and currently holds the role of Emergency Management Director. April’s Responder of the Month, Barb Groomer, has worked in Emergency Medical Services since 1991. May’s honoree, Lori Kochanowski, has dedicated 35 years to law enforcement and began dispatching at age 16, where she continues to serve Grant County today. June’s selection, Elvin Rodriguez, is in his fourth year with the Ulysses Police Department. July’s Responder of the Month, Kris Warner, has served as a Grant County firefighter for 12 years and currently holds the rank of Captain. August’s honoree owns Critical Care Transfer, which she has operated with her husband for 24 years. September’s selection, Akil Love, has served with Grant County Sheriff’s Department and currently works for the Ulysses Police Department. October’s Responder of the Month, Pam Brown, has worked in Respiratory Therapy for many years and currently serves patients at Bob Wilson Hospital. November’s honoree has worked as a nurse at Bob Wilson Hospital since 2007 and now serves the community through Ulysses Family Physicians. December’s Responder of the Month, Mona Gieseking, has been a nurse at Bob Wilson Hospital for 23 years.

In addition to voting, organizers note it is not too late to donate toward the Responder of the Year gift basket, which will be presented at the January 30 Chamber Coffee. Community members and businesses are encouraged to participate.

The Ulysses News also extended their appreciation to those who have sponsored and supported the Responder promotion throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of recognizing those who serve Grant County every day.