ACFD1 update Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department AOR

14 April 2025

On Thursday 10 April 2025, Albany County Fire District #1 (District) received the resignation of the Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) Chief and other members. The District’s primary concern is always to ensure fire protection and suppression to all members.   In response, the District held an emergency special meeting on Monday 14 April.  The District Board declared an emergency relating to the ability of a Department to provide fire suppression services to residents of the Department's area of response (AOR).  The Board took action to appoint current VVFD Lieutenant Dave Bray as Temporary Interim Chief of VVFD.  
While there were firefighter resignations received, capable and qualified firefighters remain at VVFD, once of which is Temporary Interim Chief Bray.  The District did not shut down the Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department or terminate any firefighters.
Temporary Interim Chief Bray will immediately work with ACFD1, Partners and Constituents to restore trust and confidence in VVFD.  Temporary Interim Chief Bray will also work with ACFD1 to develop a plan that recruits qualified and dedicated firefighters, determines and directs status of firefighters, ensures capability for effective and appropriate responses, ensures all Members understand and follow District Policies, ensures VVFD's District-owned apparatus are safe for operation and in good repair, conducts a full and thorough inventory, ensures review and development of robust Department SOPs, expends funds as appropriate and works with the Board or their designee as necessary to complete this charge.
ACFD1 continues to provide protection from fire and other public safety emergencies for all persons and property within its boundaries.  Central VFD is directly handling calls for VVFD's AOR, as they have since mid-February, and is supported by the other Departments in the District and standing mutual-aid agreements with our partner agencies.
The Board will further evaluate the continuing emergent situation and action taken at its 23 April 2025 Regular Board Meeting.  If other action is needed, the Board will consider and discuss as necessary
Again, any requests for additional information regarding personnel or legal matters will not be entertained or answered by the District. 

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12 April 2025

Dear ACFD1 Departments, Partners and Constituents,

Since mid-February of this year, in response to concerns and complaints, the Albany County Fire District #1 (District) Board has been working to ensure that all Departments, personnel and responses on behalf of the District maintain and promote the highest level of safety and professionalism. 

The ACFD1 Central Department has been responding to all calls within the Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) area of response since that time and continues to do so. VVFD has not been providing any fire suppression or incident response and will not do so until further notice. 

Since mid-February, the Board has been trying to engage in management and leadership collaborative practices that restore the trust and confidence of our partners, collaborators and taxpayers that excellent fire protection and suppression leadership, responses and resources will be provided across the District by all Departments. Any additional information regarding personnel or legal matters will not be entertained or answered by the District. 

Best Regards,
ACFD1 Board of Directors

​​​​DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSES & FUNDRAISERS:

• Centennial Valley VFD Open House Sat. June 14th 12-3

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

FireWise Community Tours and Engagement, Tie Siding, June 7, 2025, 1000-1200, Contact Albany County EMA

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TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

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• Cody Fire School, May 2-5, 2025

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• ​​​ACFD1 Training Calendar

• ​LFD EMT Class Aug. 25-Dec. 17​

  • • Click here for application​

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• Wyoming State Forestry

  • Wildland Training Page

  • 2025 Wyoming Engine Academy, May 12-18, Camp Guernsey, Wyoming​

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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grants

FEMA SAFER Grants - usually due early February

FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grants - usually due mid-February

WY SLIB Applications - deadlines coming soon

FIREHOUSE SUB Grants

WSF Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants - usually due early December

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CHECK BACK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES & OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION!