COON VALLEY, Wis. – The Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 held an awards ceremony on Thursday evening, March 21 to recognize community servants in a number of areas. At the well-attended ceremony, the awards were presented by Vernon County American Legion Commander Lisa Mc Carty and Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 Commander Michael J. Callan. Attendees at the ceremony enjoyed a meal prepared by the Coon Valley American Legion Auxiliary.
In a press release from Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson he said the selection process for these awards given by the American Legion is extensive, thorough, and meaningful.
Vernon County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Bruce Olson, 911 Communications Coordinator, received the Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 “Law Officer of the Year.“ Sergeant Olson was also awarded the Vernon County Council of The American Legion of Wisconsin’s “Law & Order – Edward James Award of Commendation”.
Sheriff Torgerson expressed his appreciation for the awards ceremony.
“I would like to congratulate Sergeant Olson and thank the American Legion for their service,” said Sheriff Torgerson. “Your dedication, and really going above and beyond the call of duty to recognize others that serve our communities.”
Other awards presented and why they were recognized by the Coon Valley American Legion:
Law Officer of the Year Award: Sgt. Bruce Olson of the Vernon County Sheriffs Department.
Sgt. Olson has been in law enforcement for 32 years. He is respected by the residents of Vernon County, and they are impressed in the manner he represents the Sheriffs Department as many complimentary letters have been forwarded to the Sheriffs Office by the citizens. He was also instrumental in securing a large grant for a communications upgrade. Sgt. Olson and his family reside in Westby.
Firefighter of the Year Award: Capt. Alvern Mininger of the Coon Creek Fire & Rescue.
Capt. Mininger has been a member of the fire department since 2018 and was recognized for his steadfastness in stressful situations, his commitment, and serving as a trainer for the department. Alvern and his wife Ashley live in Coon Valley and are expecting their first child very soon.
Educator of the Year Award: Andy Hulst of Westby High School.
Andrew “Andy” Hulst is a teacher and coach at Westby High School. As a teacher of Civics and Government he, and his classes, have been regular participants in the Vernon County American Legion Youth Government Day. He has strongly advocated for his students to become familiar with our governmental system and to become active in it, while instilling the values that The American Legion hold dear. He is also the head football coach, assistant basketball coach and the former athletic director for Westby High School. He is instrumental in shaping the lives of our students to become responsible adults.
Coon Valley Area Citizen of the Year Award: Robert E. Kerska.
A new award this year sponsored by the Coon Valley American Legion is the Citizen of the Year. And for our first award winner Robert Kerska was an obvious choice. He is a lifelong resident of Coon Valley, and a retired teacher after teaching for 36 years. He is an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coon Valley, has served on the Coon Valley Village Board, is currently serving on the Westby Area School Board, a member of the Coon Valley Lions Club, a member of the Coon Valley Area Baseball Association, and a 45-year member of the Sons of The American Legion, and as a volunteer whenever needed in the village.
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