TORRINGTON – The community in Goshen County is made up of amazing, hardworking people, among them, the brave and caring first responders. Some such as the Goshen County Fire Warden Bill Law, often do more behind the scenes to ensure coordination and safety of the county’s citizens, as well as the first responders.

“I’ve had the extreme pleasure of working with some of the best trained and dedicated volunteer firefighters in all of the 23 counties in Wyoming,” Law told the Telegram. 

Law explained that in Goshen County is completely divided into 11 fire protection districts, among them are nine fire departments. Each of the nine fire departments hold their own elections and determine who will serve as their chief of operations. 

According to Wyoming statutes, the fire warden is appointed by the county commissioners and has jurisdiction over every part of the county where there is not an established fire department or fire district. The fire warden is also responsible for coordinating fire suppression, fire prevention and providing support among all county fire agencies. Part of that is ensuring everyone is ready for a new fire season. 

“I can’t say enough about the many fine folks that have supported me as Fire Warden,” Law said. “While my office does not have jurisdiction over the districts and departments, this office does support their operations.”

Law assists with training efforts, and when called on, he handles filing the paperwork for federal fires. As fire warden, he also provides letters of support when a department is applying for a grant from the state. 

For example, every year all firefighters who plan to be a part of the federal fire program have to renew their ‘red card.’ This card verifies that the firefighter has done the required extra training or refresher that qualifies them to go out on federal fires. The fire warden coordinates the classes, handles the paperwork and verifies with Cheyenne the system is updated. 

When the time comes, the fire warden coordinates with all district elected officials and fire department officers to have a meeting to discuss any changes to operating procedures.

“It’s important the fire warden operates and knows his men and women throughout the county,” Law said. “[The job’s] not magical, it’s not mystical.”

Throughout the fire season, the fire warden is constantly communicating with the different fire chiefs to discuss fire dangers and fire bans. 

“The biggest challenge is getting people to be aware of their own responsibilities [of fire prevention],” Law said. 

It is common for property owners to allow weeds to grow amongst buildings, farm equipment, old pickups and propane tanks. 

“We need people to realize that if they have a fire and they want the fire department to come and quickly put out the fire, they need to help us,” Law said. “They need to do some mitigation around their own properties. Control burns are a good part of land management.”

As long as controlled burns are done safely and under the correct conditions, they can go a long way to helping to remove potential fuel for a fire. As a result, in the case of a fire, the fire is less likely to end up in that area and will move much slower. 

After almost 20 years as the fire warden, Law is retiring at the end of December. When asked, Law said he had decided it was just time. 

“The cooperation and support rendered to me these past 20 years is what I credit to the smooth operation of my time as warden,” Law said. “If I’ve learned anything in life, we don’t get as much done as an individual as we do as a team.”

At the last meeting for the Goshen County Commissioners, the commissioners announced the incoming fire warden as Thomas Bozeman. Bozeman is currently the county’s emergency management coordinator and will be adding this role to his current one.

Law said it’s fairly common in smaller communities to combine roles like this. Typically, the fire warden position and the emergency manager overlap in areas. This merge also gives the county a chance an important cost savings.

“We’re basically doing what either one of us would be doing for the other one anyway,” Law explained. “So, I see it as a really good fit. Particularly with his background and personality, it’s been a load off of my mind.”

Bozeman is already familiar with many of the people he will be working with and understands technology well. 

“[With retiring], I was most concerned about having a fire warden that can interface with all nine of the fire chiefs,” Law said. “The job is public relations and working together. We have a good working relationship, and we have a mutual aid agreement that lets all nine departments kind of interface.”

If one district gets in trouble, they can contact any of the other departments for help. 

Bozeman brings a wealth of law enforcement knowledge and many of the same incident command tactics are idea to bring to the position. 

“While the learning curve for Bozeman, as it pertains to the fire service vs. law enforcement, is a little steep,” Law said. “I have no doubt Tom will take to it very quickly. There is also no doubt he will have the same support from the Goshen County fire leadership teams as I have.”

Moving forward, Law believes the position will be in good hands.

“I am happy that I am able to retire,” Law said. “I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received from the community and my fellow first responders. It’s been a great ride.”

Law has lived in Goshen County since his family originally moved here in 1948. In 1950, his family settled in Yoder and he finished out his education at Yoder High School in 1955. After graduation, he joined the Navy and then returned to Yoder in 1958.

In 1958, he began his firefighting journey when he signed up for the Yoder Fire Department. Later, in 1962, he transferred to the Torrington Fire Department (TFD). Eventually, he settled down with a local girl and they had two kids together.

In 2004, Law retired from his position with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and then in July, he was hired as the Goshen County Fire Warden. 

Law has been an active member of the fire department since 1962. Today, he is still an active reserve member of the TFD.

On January 24, 2023, Law was recognized by both the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Senate for his 60 years of service as a firefighter.

The Goshen County Commissioners are planning on recognizing Law at the conclusion of their Dec. 5 meeting followed by a reception at the 21st and Main starting at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

For information about fire restrictions, the fire warden can be contacted at 307-532-7952. To report a control burn, contact the Torrington Dispatch Center’s non-emergency number at 307-532-7001.