Cheerleading teams win at the nationals

Cheerstarz All-Star Cheerleading in Marysville recently had four teams place at the West Coast Nationals in California. The pee-wee group was third; junior prep, second; junior, first; and senior, fourth.

Matthew House director honored

Linda Paz, executive director of Matthew House in Monroe, which provides services to the families of prisoners at the Monroe Correctional Complex, received the Warriors Medal of Valor Feb. 12 from First Nations People, an American Indian veterans group.

Paz is only the fourth non-veteran to receive the award. Her father, Reboert Waddell of Everett, served in World War II, and her mother, Miriam Joyce Waddell, who died in December 2003, served in the British army for four years.

Marshall Tall Eagle, who presented the award, said it was in recognition of Paz’s service as a “major general in God’s army.”

In addition to her work with Matthew House, which provides services to the families of prisoners, Paz is family liaison for the correctional complex.

Toastmasters hold their spring contest

Toastmaster’s International recently held its annual spring speaking contest in Everett for District 2, Division A, Areas 13 and 14.

In the speech contest, Ron Collins and Liz Hawkins were the winners, with Tony Stigall and J.D. Klingman placing second.

In the evaluation contest, Paul Goddard and Brenda Harrison placed first, Jay Lambert and Margaret Summit were second, and Sukoshi Fahey and Erik Dowell were third.

Marysville honors police achievement

Detective Larry Buell headlined a group of recipients at the Marysville Police Department’s annual inspection and awards ceremony March 24 at the Navy Support Complex in Marysville.

Buell, who joined the department in 1996, earned the officer of the year award for his leadership and professionalism, for being sought for advice by his peers concerning police operations, and for his readiness to assist others at a moment’s notice.

Buell is a certified defensive tactics instructor who investigates crimes against children.

“Larry epitomizes what younger, less experienced officers should strive to emulate,” Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux said.

The chief presented a meritorious service award to former Municipal Court Judge Larry Trivett, who stepped down from the bench in December after 12 years.

Trivett helped modernize the court and was known for his fairness and professionalism on the bench, Lamoureux said.

Communications officer Janis Lamoureux also earned a meritorious service award.

Janis Lamoureux joined the department’s 911 dispatch center in 1991 and was honored for 10 years of involvement with the Snohomish County Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

Certificates of merit went to four teenagers whose actions foiled a home-invasion robbery in July and led to the arrest of the suspects involved.

Kyle Rutledge, 15, was the recipient of the first certificate.

During the attack, Rutledge suffered injuries protecting his mother and younger brother from the invaders, Lamoureux said.

The next day while some of the suspects were still at large, Riley Craig, Travis Egbert and Tanner Whitehead came across a suspicious person while riding their dirt bikes, Robb Lamoureux said.

“They had the wherewithal to give inaccurate directions when he asked them, then rode home to contact police,” Lamoureux said. “Their quick thinking and presence of mind ultimately led to the arrest of the suspect in the robbery-kidnapping.”

Presenters and attendees at the ceremony included Mayor Dennis Kendall, Police Chief Bob Carden, Naval Station Everett acting Cmdr. Steve McLaughlin, City Council members, civil service commissioners and Marysville Seniors Against Crime volunteers.