LOYALTON VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS, Ben Tidwell, Gary Sterle, John Fatheree and Kaitlin Wilson recently attended the Quincy Academy which Chief Volunteer Shawn Heywood states, “Is a great opportunity for Loyalton Fire Department and other surrounding volunteer departments.” The Academy takes dedication as it is five Saturdays long, and covers many of the basic skills that every firefighter should have. Shawn explains, “The facility and program that Quincy Fire Department puts on is very impressive. They offer a variety of quality instructors and hands-on training in their impressive training facility.” Loyalton Fire Department started making this a requirement to be a volunteer with LVFD a few years ago. This training not only assists the firefighter do his or her job better and safer, but also provides for a safer community. Shawn states, “This year the fire cadets had an opportunity to become familiar with our newly-acquired self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recently received off a regional FEMA grant. The cost of the Academy is very reasonable at under $100 per cadet, which includes the 5-week course, books/materials, hands on training, and excellent instruction by local fire service volunteers. These costs, along with transportation, and fire gear is all paid for through donations that are received by our fundraisers and generous community members.” Loyalton’s next Volunteer Firemen’s fundraiser will be the Festival on the night of July 3rd with music, food and drinks at the Loyalton City Park.