While in Buffalo to recognize the Johnson County Commission for its ongoing support of the Powder River Fire District (PRFD) in Kaycee, Anita Bartlett, the district’s grants coordinator, briefed Commission Chairman Bill Novotny on the fire district’s current personnel composition.

Active roster and seasonal support

According to Bartlett, the PRFD presently has 32 firefighters listed on its active roster, covering both the main station in Kaycee and the lunch station. Several of those crew members are seasonal employees who specialize in wildland fire suppression. They remain on the roster year‑round but are officially taken off during winter months when snow limits fire activity.

Internship program for future firefighters

The district also launched an internship program for local high‑school seniors. This school year, one young man participates in the program, spending about an hour each day at the fire department. Bartlett explained that the intern is being mentored toward a career as a wildland firefighter. He has already completed the required pack test, FEMA incident‑command classes, and will receive his official red card in January when he turns 18, having met all qualifications since age 16.

Commission’s role and community impact

Commission Chairman Bill Novotny praised the district’s efforts to develop local talent and maintain a robust firefighting force. He emphasized that the county’s continued financial and logistical support enables PRFD to keep its staffing levels stable, especially during the high‑risk fire season.

Both the commission and the fire district view the internship as a vital pipeline for future firefighters, ensuring that the community has qualified personnel ready to protect lives and property. The partnership also reflects the county’s broader commitment to public safety and to providing opportunities for young residents to serve their community.

Looking ahead

As the fire season approaches, PRFD plans to continue its recruitment and training efforts, aiming to retain seasonal crews and expand the internship program. The district’s leadership remains confident that the current staffing model, bolstered by county support, will meet the challenges of both wildland and structural fire incidents in the coming months.

Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.