Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue is being recognized for some unique work they've done to help keep community members safe. "This award is just kind of a feather in everybody's hat," said Kittitas County Fire District 2 Commission Board Chairman Pat Clerf. It's an award that Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue is truly cherishing. The 2016 Excellence in Fire Based EMS award, given by the Congressional Fire Services Institute. They're one of two emergency response teams in the entire country being recognized for programs they have to help reduce the demand for emergency services while providing the best care at the same time.