Mudslide communities to be awarded state Medal of Valor

OLYMPIA — The communities of Oso, Darrington and Arlington and the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe will receive one of the state’s highest honors next month for the heroism of residents and tribal members in response to the deadly Oso mudslide.

Gov. Jay Inslee will present them with the Medal of Valor in a joint session of the House and Senate set for 11 a.m. on March 18 — four days before the one-year anniversary of the landslide that killed 43 people.

The communities and tribe are being recognized for “countless instances risking injury and death to save or recover victims of the Oso landslide,” according to information provided by the Secretary of State’s office.

Recipients of the Medal of Valor are chosen by a committee of the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, or their designees.

When panel members began last year to consider awarding the communities and the tribe with the honor, they learned that under existing law only individuals are eligible to receive it.

On Thursday, that hurdle was nearly erased when the House approved Senate Bill 5035 to allow the Medal of Valor to be given to a group of people for efforts to save, or attempt to save, another person’s life.

The bill, which passed the Senate last month, now goes to the governor for his signature.

Since its establishment in 2000, the Medal of Valor has been awarded to only eight people. There has not been a recipient since 2007.

Under state law, it cannot be given to police officers or firefighters, or others whose actions are a result of public duty as a first responder.

Also on March 18, Inslee will award a Medal of Merit posthumously to Billy Frank Jr. for his leadership in the fight to protect tribal fishing rights and to save salmon. Frank died in May.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

LifeWise local co-directors Darcie Hammer and Sarah Sweeny talk about what a typical classroom routine looks like on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett off-campus Bible program draws mixed reaction from parents

The weekly optional program, LifeWise Academy, takes children out of public school during the day for religious lessons.

Protesters line Broadway in Everett for Main Street USA rally

Thousands turn out to protest President Trump on Saturday in Everett, joining hundreds of other towns and cities.

An EcoRemedy employee checks a control panel of their equipment at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds launches technology to destroy PFAS

Edmonds is the first city in the country to implement… Continue reading

Over a dozen parents and some Snohomish School District students gather outside of the district office to protest and discuss safety concerns after an incident with a student at Machias Elementary School on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Parents protest handling of alleged weapon incident at Machias Elementary

Families say district failed to communicate clearly; some have kept kids home for weeks.

Irene Pfister, left, holds a sign reading “Justice for Jonathan” next to another protester with a sign that says “Major Crimes Needs to Investigate,” during a call to action Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Arlington. (Aspen Anderson / The Herald)
Arlington community rallies, a family waits for news on missing man

Family and neighbors say more can be done in the search for Jonathan Hoang. The sheriff’s office says all leads are being pursued.

Mary Ann Karber, 101, spins the wheel during Wheel of Forunte at Washington Oakes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lunch and Wheel of Fortune with some Everett swinging seniors

She’s 101 and he’s 76. At Washington Oakes, fun and friendship are on the menu.

Man steals delivery van in Brier, deputies seek help identifying suspect

A man stole a delivery van Wednesday afternoon in Brier… Continue reading

Janet Garcia walks into the courtroom for her arraignment at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mother found competent to stand trial in stabbing death of 4-year-old son

A year after her arraignment, Janet Garcia appeared in court Wednesday for a competency hearing in the death of her son, Ariel Garcia.

Everett council member to retire at end of term

Liz Vogeli’s retirement from the council opens up the race in the November election for Everett’s District 4 seat.

State budget cuts could hurt education work at nonprofits

Programs the state legislature could cut include assistance to children in foster care and a program helping ninth graders stay on track to graduate.

The North Cascades Highway is seen from the Washington Pass overlook in 2021. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
North Cascades Highway reopens for 2025 season

The Washington State Department of Transportation is reminding travelers to stay alert and plan for weather conditions.

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Federal agency cancels $250k grant to Everett museum

The funding helped expand the Imagine Children Museum’s Little Science Lab program. The federal agency did not give a reason for the grant termination.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.