Marine Corps League honors local servicemen
POLSON — Police officers and firefighters don’t often get public praise for the commitment and sacrifices they make day in and day out, but at the Marine Corps 236th birthday celebration at the Elk’s Club in Polson, two people were given their due recognition.
Polson police officer William Cleveland and Finley Point volunteer firefighter Captain Brent Burland were honored by members of the Mariner Corps League with Distinguished Service Awards at the birthday celebration.
“We request write-ups from chiefs and EMS,” adjutant John Miller said. “We then looked over the requests and picked two of the best write-ups.”
It was the first time that Distinguished Service Awards were bestowed on servicemen, and in Cleveland and Burland, the Marine Corps League picked two outstanding individuals to receive the inaugural awards.
Both men felt a great sense of pride in being named as award winners.
Burland, who has served for the Finley Point VFD for six years, got into firefighting after a neighbor’s house caught fire while the neighbor was away. After calling 911 and waiting for their arrival, Burland got to talking with the firefighters, who said he’d be a good candidate to join them. Burland’s award flattered the firefighting veteran.
“I was in shock,” Burland said. “I was honored to get the award. I don’t have the most experience but I do a lot of volunteering. To be the first one, it’s a great feeling. I’d just like to thank my fire chief for nominating me, as well as the local Marine Corps in Polson.”
“It was a huge honor,” Cleveland added.
Cleveland has been working full time for about four years, but spent a couple additional years in the reserve program. He stuck around after falling in love with the job and the people he worked with and worked for.
“He does a lot of foot patrol,” Miller said of Cleveland. “He talks to businesses and does things he doesn’t have to do.”
Thank you to Cleveland, Burland and the rest of our police officers and firefighters for their tireless efforts and great work!