Georgetown Fire

🚒 Divide Fire Academy 26-001 Training Update 🚒

On Saturday, March 21, recruits with Divide Fire Academy 26-001 participated in their first live fire training, marking a major milestone in their development as firefighters.

During the training, recruits gained a better understanding of fire behavior by observing how fire conditions change and develop in real time. They also practiced advancing hoselines to attack the fire, as well as conducting search and rescue operations in a controlled, live fire environment.

This hands-on experience reinforces the importance of teamwork, communication, and situational awareness while operating in dynamic and high-risk conditions.

A special thank you to the instructor cadre for providing a safe, structured, and highly effective day of training.

Live fire training is a critical step in preparing recruits to safely and effectively respond to real-world emergencies, building the confidence and skills needed to serve their communities.

🚒 Divide Fire Academy 26-001 Training Update 🚒

On Saturday, March 7, recruits with Divide Fire Academy 26-001 trained on the fundamentals of vehicle extrication, developing the skills needed to safely remove patients trapped in damaged vehicles.

Training began with vehicle stabilization and scene safety, ensuring vehicles were properly secured before extrication operations began. Recruits then practiced several techniques used to gain access to patients, including door removal, roof removal, and rolling the dashboard to free entrapped occupants.

Throughout the training, recruits worked with a variety of rescue tools including combination cutters and spreaders, Sawzalls, axes, and hydraulic rams. Vehicles were positioned in different ways to simulate realistic traffic accident scenarios, giving recruits the opportunity to adapt their techniques to different vehicle orientations and challenges.

Vehicle extrication training prepares recruits to respond to serious vehicle collisions where rapid, coordinated action is needed to safely free trapped patients and allow medical care to begin as quickly as possible.

A special thank you to the members of the public who donated vehicles for this training. These donations make hands-on training possible and directly support the development of the next generation of firefighters serving our Divide communities.

We would also like to thank Dilon Holmes with Quality First Logistics, who will be assisting by removing the vehicles used during training. Community partnerships like these help make this type of realistic training possible.

Working Together for a Stronger Fire Service Model

Garden Valley Fire Protection District and Georgetown Fire Protection District have entered into a 12-month shared services agreement to jointly provide Fire Chief and administrative services, following the retirement of Georgetown Fire Chief Glenn Brown.

This agreement allows both districts to share leadership and administrative costs, reducing overhead and avoiding the need to duplicate full-time positions. The goal is simple: to be fiscally responsible while maintaining strong, consistent operational leadership for the Divide communities.

There are no changes to local staffing, response times, or service levels as a result of this agreement. Fire stations remain locally operated, and emergency response continues to remain the top priority for both districts.

“This agreement is about being fiscally responsible while keeping fire protection strong and stable for the Divide,” said Fire Chief Wes Norman. “By working together as equal partners, both districts can manage costs responsibly without sacrificing service to our communities.”

This is a temporary, 12-month agreement and will be reassessed later this year to ensure it continues to serve the best interests of both districts and the residents we protect.

This partnership helps ensure we can keep protecting our community today while planning responsibly for the future.

This past weekend, Georgetown Fire gathered at Buckeye Restaurant for our annual Christmas Dinner. It was a great evening spent with current and past staff, volunteers, board members, and family—an opportunity to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and recognize the people who make this department what it is.

During the evening, Jeff Degnan, Jackson Addison, and Josh Burton (who was unable to attend) were presented their helmet shields by Captain Theresa Snoke, officially welcoming them into our volunteer ranks.

Years of Service awards were also presented by Captain Theresa Snoke and Volunteer President Ken Pauley.

5 Years of Service
Megan Cardenas
Brad King
Tom McGrady (unable to attend)
Nate Smith

10 Years of Service
Jeremiah Norrell

15 Years of Service – Veteran Status
Ken Pauley

20 Years of Service
Brook Rother

25 Years of Service
Rob Poseley

We also took time to recognize Bob Brown, who recently retired from our Board of Directors, for his many years of service to the department and for his commitment to our community as a board member.

The Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Nick Cimmarusti for the second year in a row. Nick’s dedication and work ethic continue to stand out. He has taken a leadership role in training our newest recruits and has shown incredible initiative in every role he’s stepped into since joining the staff after four years as a volunteer.

Nights like this are a good reminder that Georgetown Fire is more than just equipment and calls—it’s people. Volunteers, staff, board members, and families all play a part in keeping this department moving forward. We’re grateful for the time, effort, and commitment shown by everyone who serves and supports Georgetown Fire, and we’re proud to be part of such a strong community.