Meadows Valley Fire Celebrates Fire Fighter 1 Graduation
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 is a commonly heard phrase at this time of year, but the celebration in New Meadows this past Saturday, May 16 recognized an uncommon achievement. Fifteen members of the Meadows Valley volunteer Fire Department earned their International Fire Accreditation Congress Fire Fighter 1 Certifications and were awarded certificates and pins to celebrate. The pin represents over 140 hours of training through book study, classes, and skills learned along with additional time spent in study, practice and travel. This is above and beyond their regular jobs, family responsibilities, and time volunteering for the department.
During the program, graduates were given encouragement and praise from multiple sources. Meadows Valley third through fifth grade students sang the National Anthem accompanied on piano by Jeff Parnett. MVFD Commissioner Chair Keith Westengard started things off noting the volunteers’ sacrifice of time to achieve this goal, along with their commitment to the community. Former MVFD Fire Fighter and Commissioner Terry Jones told the audience that when Doug Buys became the Fire Chief, Jones asked him to have his fire fighters earn the FF1 Certification.
Jones cheered the fulfillment of this promise saying, “In my opinion, this is the most qualified volunteer department in any state.” Cindy Myers, Idaho Fire Service Training Administrator continued the point saying, “Far more than passing exams it signifies that you have met a rigorous, internationally recognized standard that reflects your competence, your integrity and commitment to serve your community. We recognize a remarkable group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to a path that demands discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to service.”
The audience of 80 people listened to an engaging speech given by Emmett Fire Chief Curt Christensen who shared both humorous and serious anecdotes from his career. He spoke to the graduates about conducting themselves with professionalism and showing up to each call with full effort. Meadows Valley Assistant Chief Mark Peterson, who has served with the department for 47 years beginning with manning the water pump at the age of 13, led the class through the Fire Oath. He recognized each Fire Fighter as they came forward to receive their certificate, pin, and salute.
Chief Buys was recognized by the Commissioners for his efforts in organizing and executing the training and given a beautiful plaque. Buys gave final comments congratulating Meadows Valley Fire’s first Fire Fighter 1 graduating class. Congratulations and thank you to Travis Bonfiglio, Engineer Chris Peterson, Safety Officer Johnny Brown, Jr., Captain Justin Peterson, Lieutenant Lucas Nicholson, Fire Marshal LeAndra Smith, Engineer Rebecca Davis, Devin Buys, Justin Aspiazu, Cody Day, Katelyn Brumfield, Nikki Buys, Commissioner Tracy Peterson, Commissioner Amanda Branstetter, and Jericho Hendley.
