Firefighters receive recognition for service to the community
August 2, 2018
BUCKHANNON, WV: At Thursday’s City Council meeting, City officials recognized Buckhannon Fire Department firefighters Steve Long, Vaden Queen, Steve Thacker, and Glenn Davis for 108 collective years of service. Fire Chief J.B. Kimble thanked them for dedicating their time to protecting the lives and property of community members, businesses, and travelers. Kimble presented a coin to each fireman, commemorating 30+ years for Long and Thacker, 28 years for Queen, and 20+ years for Davis. The coins are jointly provided through the Buckhannon Fire Department and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Separately, Chief Kimble, Council, and the Fire Department also recognized two firefighters who are at the beginning of their careers. Tanner Smith and John Brugnoli received their badge signifying one year of service, completion of Firefighter 1 certification, and Emergency Medical Technician training. Shift Officer Franklin Baxa pinned Firefighter Smith, while Firefighter John Brugnoli received his pin from girlfriend, Sarah Spencer.
The Buckhannon Fire Department is a rural, combination fire department comprised of twenty-four members. Of these members, seventeen are volunteers and seven are paid firefighters. The department has members trained in fire suppression, incident management, hazardous materials mitigation, vehicle and machinery rescue, confined space rescue, water rescue, dive operations and basic life support. The Buckhannon Fire Department has a fleet of seven apparatus: one UTV (utility vehicle), one hazardous materials containment trailer, and two boats. The fleet consists of four engine/pumpers, one aerial, one rescue and two support vehicles. The first due area, or area of primary responsibility, spans over the City of Buckhannon and beyond. The department provides services to over 12,000 residents in the first due area and over 25,000 within additional areas covered by mutual and automatic aid agreements.
Related press coverage:
www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2018/08/buckhannon-firefighters-honored/
Callie Cronin Sams, callie.csams@buckhannonwv.org