POST FALLS — Kootenai County Fire and Rescue firefighters are the first to shake each other’s hands for a job well done.

And officials with the Idaho American Legion want to do the same.

The state legion honored KCFR volunteer firefighter Scott Weston as its “Firefighter of the Year,” beating out 52 other candidates. “This is one of the biggest honors a fireman can get,” said Commander John Dunlap of American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls.

Dunlap presented a plaque in recognition for Weston’s effort during a brief ceremony at the department’s Highway 41 and 16th Avenue fire station last week.

“We do have a bunch of good people workinghere,” Dunlap said.

Weston, a general contractor for Cedar Creek Builders, has fought fires since 1975 and loves every minute.

“This is just a great award,” Weston said. “It was a real shock.”

Weston is now eligible for the national American Legion award.

“I had no idea it was going to nationals,” he said. “I thought it ended here.”

Although Weston was a little hesitant to put the spotlight on himself, he said any award he receives is thanks to the KCFR team.

“There’s an extraordinary group of people here,” he said. “I’m extremely proud to be part of it.”

His career has taken him through the firefighting ranks in California and the Hauser Lake Fire Department.

“Firefighters never forget another,” Weston said. “This is just an honor -- you look at people who have won this award in the past because it’s an elite list.”

Weston was nominated in January by fellow firefighter Lt. Todd Amende.

“He (Weston) puts in so many hours,” Amende said. “He’s always been one of our go-to guys because he’s always there."

Amende said Weston never fails to put in the extra effort.

“It’s a special breed,” Amende said. “When we’ve needed an engine guy he was there and when we’ve needed him at community events he was there, too -- all around he’s a good man.”

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