Godfrey honored for 50 years of firefighting in Big Horn County

Big Horn County Fire Warden Brent Godfrey received recognition for 50 years of firefighting at the Wyoming State Legislature recently. 

Godfrey graduated from Manderson-Hyattville High School, and at 18, began his firefighting career with Manderson Volunteer Fire Department in 1976. When asked why he started, Godfrey said simply, “to help my neighbors.” At the time, there had been several fires in the area, the Manderson fire department was just getting started, and Godfrey decided to join up and help. 

This kickstarted a lifelong career, which included working to establish Big Horn County Fire District 3, serving as the county fire warden since 1993, working on the Basin Volunteer Fire Department in various positions, 34 years as an EMT and 32 years as a deputy sheriff. 

The fire Godfrey said he most remembered in his career was sometime in the 90s, when a hay cubing operation on Third Street in Basin went up in smoke. 

“It was one of the largest structure fires I’ve had when I was in charge of it,” he said. 

Through his job, Godfrey has learned about the safety issues inherent to firefighting. Keeping his firefighters alive, he said, is the most important part of his job. Over the years, the responsibility, liability, training, standards and costs of firefighting have all increased. Meanwhile, volunteerism is down. 

Godfrey explained that when he started, employers were willing and able to give volunteers the time to fight fires. Now, younger folks don’t have the time or willingness to take off at a moment’s notice. 

“My hopes are that Basin Fire keeps growing,” Godfrey said. The department has worked to get state-certified firefighters and fire officers. He also hoped that no one ever gets hurt as a volunteer firefighter. 

After all this time, Godfrey said he still enjoys his work. The past three years, since he retired from the sheriff’s office, Godfrey has attended Wyoming legislative meetings in Cheyenne to advocate for fire-related bills. Late last month, he was recognized by Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) and Sen. Ed Cooper (R-Ten Sleep) for his career and presented an award by the president of the Senate. 

“This is the greatest award I’ve had from my peers,” Godfrey said. He attended with his friends Chris Kocher, the Worland fire chief and Washakie County fire warden, and Jerry Parker, Park County fire warden and administrator. 

“It was a great honor to meet with the legislature on the floor and have them recognize me,” Godfrey said.

Lawley said, in recognition of Godfrey: “Truly a remarkable career that is worth celebrating. This is what makes Wyoming strong.”