Ketchum firefighters chose Travis McDaniels to be their firefighter of the year. Travis has been with the Ketchum Fire Department for 3 years now. Starting in the EMS division, he quickly decided he’d like to do even more and joined the fire academy. Since then he’s worked and trained hard, he’s always there when we need him and always sends his A game. Travis is now enrolled in Paramedic school.
Sun Valley firefighters chose Ricky Williams as their firefighter of the year. Williams is a paramedic and firefighter for the City of Sun Valley and the North Blaine County Fire District. A native of the Wood River Valley, he has served on the force for the past two years. His leadership, dedication and exemplary skills stood out among his team members.
“I am honored for the recognition and proud to serve with the Sun Valley team,” Williams said. “It means a lot.”
Williams started working for the Ketchum Fire Department in 2006 but was lured away to Phoenix, Ariz., where he met and married his wife, Lori. Eventually, they moved back to the Wood River Valley.
“It all just came together,” he said, “the perfect job opportunity with Sun Valley Fire and a place to live at the Greenhorn Fire Station. Even though I grew up here, I probably wouldn’t be here except for the foresight and leadership of Sun Valley and the North Blaine County Fire District. Over the years, they have invested in housing to ensure staff would be available quickly for emergency response. It’s why I am dedicating time to help raise funds for future housing at Greenhorn.”
Amid a housing crisis that has made it nearly impossible to find housing for emergency responders, the North Blaine County Fire District is planning to install eight units of prefabricated housing and an eight-bay garage east of the Greenhorn Fire Station. The two-acre parcel of land is secured through a lease with the Idaho Transportation Department at $1 per year for 50 years with an option to renew for an additional 45 years.