Firefighters 'graduate'
Firemen from throughout Marion County were recognized Thursday in a special ceremony conducted at the fire station at Lincolnville.
Instructor Lester Kaiser presented certificates to those who passed the Firefighter Level 1 course. According to Kaiser, the certificates, issued by The Kansas Fire Service Council, recognize the "graduates" as professional firefighters.
Beginning March 1, 2001, they participated in 15 training sessions in the basic skills of fire fighting. This included classroom time as well as hands-on experience.
"We could have had a little more." Alan Bentz, Ramona, said of the training.
Chris Killough, fireman from Marion, said the training has already benefited him. He said one time the lead firefighters were out of town when Marion Fire Department was called to a fire.
"I was left in charge and, because of the training, I knew what to do," he said.
Don Stahl, a second year fireman from Lehigh, said he was taught a lot of things he didn't know. Since completing the course, he has taken a special test which has certified him as a fire service instructor.
Several participants noted the advantage of learning to know members of neighboring fire departments. They often work together in "mutual aid" arrangements.
"You're not afraid to work with someone you know," Stahl said.
Kaiser encouraged the graduates to take a test administered through the University of Kansas which, if passed, would make them state-certified firemen.
Those honored were:
Marion — Chris Killough, Jim Davis, Stacey Collett.
Lehigh — Belinda Stahl, Don Stahl, Wayne Kenel, Barbara Diez.
Tampa — Dalton Wiebe, Tim Svoboda, Jesse Brunner.
Lost Springs — Blaine Gehrke.
Ramona — Alan Bentz.
Lincolnville — Brent Pigorsch.
