Winnemucca News

Winnemucca News

Winnemucca hosts 75th Annual Firefighter's Training Conference - 06-28-2010

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WINNEMUCCA — Volunteer fire departments from across the state gathered here over the weekend (June 23-26) for the 75^thAnnual Nevada State Firefighter's Association Training Conference.

They practiced in the burn trailer, they completed obstacle courses, and attended classes. Oh, and they had some fun along the way, as well, with water fights, golf, and bowling.

The chairman of the NSFA Host City Committee was Andrew Hillyer, of the Winnemucca Volunteer Fire Department, who praised the NSFA for their work in representing the interest of rural, volunteer fire departments.

He noted the work of the NSFA Board of Directors has been particularly important during Legislative sessions when volunteer fire departments most need their perspective represented to law makers..

As an example, Hillyer said the government has taken steps over the years to increase training mandates, which many volunteer firefighters simply cannot meet. Hillyer pointed to the many business owners on the WVFD and said, “We can’t take weeks off at a time.”

Hillyer stressed the importance of volunteer departments to small, rural communities like Winnemucca where the community may not have the money it takes to fund a large professional fire department, which can cost millions to establish and maintain.

Hillyer referenced the camaraderie of the weekend as reinforcing the importance of volunteer fire departments. He commented, “These smaller departments get together and realize they’re part of the bigger picture.”

He added there are more benefits to the community than just the savings. Volunteer firefighters have a dedication to service and protecting the neighborhoods of their family, friends and colleagues.

Hillyer commented, “The majority of our firefighters have been here for a lot of years and they care about what they do.”

The conference concluded with the Firemen’s Ball where winners of the competitions received their trophies and scholarships were awarded. The recipients of the NSFA scholarships included Humboldt County students Rachael Studebaker, Joey Dendary, and Justin Rice.  In accepting his scholarship Rice said, “I would like to thank my dad – who’s a great volunteer here in town.”

The 2011 Firefighter's Association Training Conference will be held in Virginia City; the 2012 conference will be held in Elko County.

 The WVFD team shows off their teamwork and skills in handling the fire hose during the water fights held Saturday. Lost in the spray of water is a red barrell, strung between two poles, which the teams must push to the other side to win.


Don Stoker, shown left, a volunteer firefighter for 48 years, and WVFD Chief Walt Johnstone, shown right, a volunteer firefighter for 46 years, were praised as the guys who do what's needed behind the scenes.

Showing off their first-place award for taking home the best golf scores were (from left) Rusty Mables, Dustin Christean, Gary Stoker, and Andrew Hillyer -- who stood in for Lee Bosch.

Written by Dee Holzel - Silver Pinyon Journal - 6/28/10

• Winnemucca News