Commissioner Richard Cimino reads a Resolution to the members of EGFPD #4 at last week’s 50th anniversary celebration. From L>R: Chief Todd Holzwarth, Steven Loo, Rick Cramer, Garth Hein, Steve Waldorf, Mark Pappas, Dennis Soles, Frank Dominguez and Kristen Rybij         Photo by Mike Turner

On Wednesday evening, April 24th, members of the county’s east end Fire Protection District and the public gathered at the Fraser fire station to celebrate 50 years of service to the community. Formally established on April 18, 1969, East Grand Fire Protection District No. 4 has evolved and kept pace with the growth and development on the east end of the county.

County Commissioner and Chairman, Richard Cimino, read a resolution commemorating the occasion, and Fire Chief Todd Holzwarth read proclamations from the towns of Fraser and Winter Park marking their 50th year of service.

Chief Holzwarth recalled the early days, when he first started shortly after arriving in the valley, back in 1974. “It’s been a wild ride.”

Between all the members of the Fire District in attendance, we counted over 177 years of fire protection service and another 60 years’ experience of first responders (EMS, Ski Patrol, etc.).

Chief Holzwarth said the next year is pivotal for their operations as they continue to prepare to meet the needs of the growing community.

The District also has plans to throw a community celebration in August. To learn more about our firefighters and the District, visit: eastgrandfire.com.