TORRINGTON – All of us here in Goshen County are born with certain qualities that will define who we are, whether others know about them or not.

If you look around the area, you will not have to look hard for those who are humbly finding their niche.

In a lot of cases, you will find several of those who found it long ago when so many things were quite different.

These qualities do not necessarily mean money, authority or status of course. If you look closely at what is there, more often than not you will find a quiet determination amongst these individuals. The determination is not for their own interest or betterment, but more specifically about the giving and sacrificing for others.

For these individuals, knowing the person next to them has everything they need is what they strive for, and what they may even live for. Knowing that a fellow community member has all their essentials such as food, water, peace and safety give them more personal reward than wealth or power ever will.

Dozens of community members gathered Tuesday morning at the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce to recognized one such individual.

As a considerable grove of police officers, fire fighters, EMT’s, friends, family and neighbors mingled while drinking fresh coffee in the large multipurpose room, the entry door slowly opened to reveal that one individual.

Longtime Goshen County Fire Warden, Bill Law, was greeted by the sound of appreciative applause by his fellow friends and peers. All were there to recognize an outstanding firefighting career that defined commitment, sacrifice and perseverance despite seeing the ugliest things nature and the world has to reveal.

For Law the journey began so very long ago in 1958. The celebrated Goshen firefighter acknowledged that there are some things certain people are just born to do in this world.

In this case, nearly 67 years dedicated to a particular cause to keep small rural  Wyoming towns safe justifies that very idea.

“So much has been said about different things,” Law began. “Some men are just born with fire trucks in their souls. I grew up it with it in my soul. That’s what has kept me going, and that’s why I joined the Yoder Fire Department (YFD). I was on the YFD from 1958 until July of 1962. I was already working and living in Torrington, so in September of 1962 I was admitted to the Torrington Fire Department and have been with them ever since.”

Although Law worked extensively for years with Blue Cross Blue Shield, the old fire warden admitted that by divine grace the passion as always been with firefighting and the comradery that forms around it.

“What a great opportunity for me when I left Blue Cross Blue Shield to really stay engaged, and in some ways give back with the fire service,” Law continued. “What a blessing it has been for me with my Goshen County fire guys and gals. Any time I’ve ever needed anything for a project or to help me become better educated with what we do, they’ have been there to work with me. They have always put in very good standard operating procedures with how we want our departments to function. Ours is purely volunteers. It could be a structure fire or an accident, but we know how we are going to respond basically from the fire station out.”

When it comes to the trust and teamwork amongst firefighters in Goshen County, Law recognized those aspects have never been limited to just firefighters or emergency response personnel.

According to Law the vigilant assistance of farmers and ranchers during wildfire seasons have been astronomical. 

“Our ranchers are always on the lookout for lightning strikes and windstorms,” Law said. “They are always looking and will get right to it. Kind of like the old circus, they (fires) come from everywhere. Those ladies and ranch wives will get in their pickups, will head right to a fire and will just attack. They know how to call for help. That’s how our mutual aid agreement between our departments really help all of them immediately have water, resources and manpower. We’ve always been doing it like a neighbor helping a neighbor.”

Once again over sixty years dedicated to one thing, especially when it gets dangerous from time to time, is a humbling feat for others to acknowledge.

Not only this, but also serving a leadership role where the safety and potential livelihoods of others may rest on one decision.

With Law taking on the responsibility for such a lengthy amount of time, he attributes that quality of patient perseverance to just a few traditional values as well as a strong feeling of faith.

“I’ve always depended on others to give me the information, but I think my God given ability is maybe just to listen and learn,” Law said. “I’m not that smart, but I think its appreciated if you don’t try to ride in on a horse and act like you’re going to take charge. It’s worked for me and I’ve been able to help others get the job done, make suggestions and help with some of the events. Then it’s stay out of the way and watch them go to work.

“I think the most positive thing is how it never ceases to amaze me how God has blessed me with good health and a frame of mind,” Law continued. “It’s nothing I learned or developed; it’s been a gift from God. I have seen some terrible things with pictures in my mind that don’t go away. They will always be there. Life is so precious, it’s vulnerable and we yet see it and avoid it. You can’t run away from it, and bad things do happen to good people. I think just being able to know from my perspective, it’s very important for people to know all I have been given is from God.”

With such a storied history in the county amongst a younger generation of first responders, Law couldn’t help but have a reassuring view of the future as he steps into a new chapter of life.

While playing with his grandchildren and giving into a bit of nostalgia, Law still has nothing but trust and admiration for the new generation ready to fill his shoes.

“I think the people and interactions, along with the accomplishments of helping others got started way back in high school kid, and I was able to help four kids get out of a submerged car,” Law said. “Now I’m seeing the accomplishments of first responders, and watching the heart and soul of first responders. Whether they’re military, law enforcement, fire, medical EMT’s or hospital staff, those are people that we look at and marvel at what they do. We wonder why they put themselves out there when it’s cold and muddy. They are in the trenches; it has always been heartwarming and has made me just like any other person. We always ask ourselves, ‘Do I want to leave my wife at the theatre? Or kids in the restaurant?’ But we don’t dare lose focus on the family. We try to remind ourselves and our spouses, whether male or female that the family unit gets stretched pretty thin. By the grace of God, they help and climb through it. That’s the biggest thing I would say, is the accomplishments and hearts of our people and workers.”

When it came to some farewell nods to his friends, colleagues and community members Law had three simple words for all to remember.

“My philosophy has always been my three C’s. Try to be correct, consistent, and always be courteous. If you do those three things while not offending anyone, showing support and can fit others in, I don’t care how high or how hard you work from the bottom row; those three things will always move you forward.”