SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands honored a Fire Warden of the Year and a Cooperator of the Year from the state of Utah. These awards are given to groups or individuals that have been an integral part of the wildfire suppression efforts within the state during the calendar year.
Fire Warden of the Year – Corey Auger, Northeast Area, Uintah/Daggett Counties
Auger has been the fire warden for Uintah and Daggett counties for the past five years. During his time with the division, he has improved both the fire and the wildland-urban interface programs within his assigned counties. Auger continues to strive to improve how the division operates and has played an active role in raising awareness around the issue of agriculture and debris burning within the Uintah Basin.
Since being with the division, Auger has progressed in his qualifications as a single resource to become an Engine Boss and a Type 4 Incident Commander. Auger is also the current lead facilitator for the Uintah Basin Interagency Basic Wildland Fire class that is hosted on college campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt.
Auger strives to go above and beyond and improve the division’s reputation within his assigned counties, across Utah, and nationally when assisting with the national wildfire effort.
Cooperator of the Year – Washington County Emergency Services
Washington County Emergency Services was honored as this year’s Cooperator of the Year for their work in helping raise awareness around fire prevention and assisting with initial attacks on active wildfires in the county.
Jason Whipple leads the full-service emergency management organization that is staffed with employees with a broad range of abilities and experience. Washington Country Emergency Services prides itself on being an active member of its community whose focus is to save lives, prevent injury and protect property during disasters and other catastrophic events in the county.
This year the staff at Washington Country Emergency Management have taken a proactive approach to promote fire prevention and educate the public about the inherent dangers of wildfires within the county.
Whipple and his staff are active participants during fire suppression, assist the division and other partners with any needs that may arise, and work tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate logistical needs.
Awards are given annually at the state’s fall fire management meeting to highlight and recognize those who have gone above and beyond to assist the state’s wildfire suppression efforts.