By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Three firefighters have earned promotions at the Yukon Fire Department.
Scott Southard, Travis Loveless and Valen Little were promoted from corporal to sergeant after a rigorous selection process.
“Our sergeants have such a vital role in the Yukon Fire Department,” Yukon Fire Chief Shawn Vogt said during a March 3rd promotion ceremony at YFD headquarters. “It’s a very important position for us.
“These guys are not only officers on this fire department, but they also take care of our rigs and day-to-day things that need done in the bays.”
YFD sergeants may serve as a company officer on an engine and station officer at station two.
“Our sergeants do a lot for us and are a vital part of our department,” Vogt added.
Yukon’s fire chief called the four-part sergeant’s promotional testing the “most complex” at the YFD. This consists of written and practical tests, a tactical assessment and an interview board.
“These guys really have to prepare for it,” Vogt said. “It’s stressful and their families have to give up time.
“We’re really proud of them. I’ve watched them firsthand. They prepared and they studied a lot. They just did a great job throughout the testing process. We really look forward to seeing them grow and prosper on the Yukon Fire Department.”
YEARS OF SERVICE
Southard and Loveless were both hired July 2, 2012 and have been with the YFD for more than 10-1/2 years. They were promoted to corporal July 2, 2015 before their Jan. 6th promotion to sergeant.
Little was hired March 25, 2013 and has been with the YFD for nearly 10 years. He was promoted to corporal April 22, 2016 before his Jan. 3rd promotion to sergeant.
Southard’s wife Kayla and Loveless’s wife Blaire pinned the sergeant bars and shields on their husbands’ uniforms during last Friday afternoon’s promotion ceremony inside YFD station one, 1000 E Main.
Other attendees included the newly promoted sergeants’ children, fellow Yukon fire personnel, Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Trumbly, City Manager Tammy Kretchmar, Assistant City Manager Mitchell Hort and Assistant to the City Manager Jason Beal.
Earlier in the week, YFD Capt. Josh Reason pinned Little’s sergeant bars and shield on his uniform. Little was unable to attend Friday afternoon’s promotion ceremony.
Other YFD sergeants are David Mayhew, Chris Allbritton, Fabian Gallegos, Brent Weaver, Kirk Albers, and Cole Kroutil.
