Ron Ottesen, a founding father of the Westby First Responders was named the 2008 Vernon County 1st Responder of the Year during the annual EMS Appreciation Dinner held on May 20 in Viroqua.

Since 1986, Ottesen has been instrumental in developing the Westby First Responders organization, along with Richard Ekern who passed away last year. Ottesen has remained devoted to keeping the group active since its organization 22 years ago.

The current 10-member Westby organization has leaned on Ottesen’s experience and daytime availability for years. Ottesen can be seen regularly behind the wheel of the first responder rig at school activities, football games, go-kart races, the annual Snowflake Ski tournament and last weekend's Syttende Mai celebration.

The voluntary position has been and continues to be a very important part of Ottesen’s life. His devotion to helping oversee the safety of the residents of the city of Westby and surrounding townships including Christiana, Coon, Viroqua and Clinton is commendable and is one of the many reasons Ottesen received this year’s award.

Ottesen a Trane Company retiree, is the organization treasurer and spends countless hours, not only responding to 911 calls, but making sure the first responder vehicle is always fueled, washed, polished and ready to roll. Fellow responders, Roxanne Von Ruden, Scott Yttri, Todd Holen, Brad Robson, Gilbert Turben, Jon Olson, Eric Nottestad, Joy Moser and Dorothy Jasperson wish to congratulate Ottesen on his well deserved honor, as should the rest of the Westby First Responders coverage area.

Congratulations to Ottesen, the 2008 Vernon County 1st Responder of the Year.