ROCK SPRINGS – The top level of many of the first responding agencies are in place and now comes the task of filling the positions of those who were promoted. Sweetwater County Fire District No. 1 has done just that.
Jake Ribordy has been named to the position of Assistant Chief of Fire District No. 1. Ribordy fills the vacated position left by Scott Kitchner who was recently named the new chief of the district.
Ribordy started as a volunteer with the district in 2008. Before joining the district, he was part of the fire brigade at the Jim Bridger Power Plant. It was during this time he said he found he had a passion for helping others.
“I have a desire to help people on their worst day,” he explained.
As a volunteer with the district, Ribordy continued to train and learn as much as possible about the job. While he really did not envision a career in the field, in only one short year he was honored with the title of Battalion Chief.
Ribordy reminisced about moving into the Battalion Chief position. He recalled talking to then Chief Jim Wamsley and Kitchner about the District. He said it was during this meeting Wamsley and Kitcher made him understand he really was a better firefighter than even he thought he was. It was that meeting which put in motion a career with the district.
After filling out an application for the Battalion Chief, Ribordy was chosen over four other applicants. With him getting the position, Ribordy said it was just more of an affirmation he had the skills to move up in leadership.
The early influences of Wamsley and Kitchner gave Ribordy qualities he will take with him in the new role. He explained Wamsley showed him the importance of leadership, taking to people and influencing positive behavior through his leadership, values and principles.
Ribordy said working alongside Kitchner has taught him how to be a leader on a scene and the importance of command leadership at different scenes.
“He has shown me when it is time to give orders and when it is better to make suggestions,” Ribordy explained.
Ribordy spoke with an excitement about his new role of Assistant Fire Chief. As Battalion Chief, his role was more about public safety. With the change, he now becomes in charge of training. He said he wants to continue to move the district into the future and wants to bring new eyes and a youthful look at training.
His work ethic can also been seen rather quickly as he spoke about one thing he wants accomplish in the near future. Many of the other fire agencies have mutual aid agreements in place. Ribordy said he would like to take it a step further and have periodic interagency training. He explained he thinks the one big roadblock between the different agencies is training.
Any leader in other departments would be the first to tell you interagency cooperation is crucial and Ribordy is no different. He recalled the recent tragedy in Texas. He said some departments were not the best equipped to handle the issues they were facing and likened it to Rock Springs. Ribordy explained different departments have better resources and training on different emergency situations. He said if the district ever finds themselves in a situation which they might not have the best resources, all they need to do is call those with the knowledge and help will be on the way.
The District is continuing to move forward on its new station and training grounds which will be built north of Rock Springs. Ribordy said while his role in this will pretty much stay the same, it will be important for him to know and be skilled on the training apparatus which will be at the new station.
Overall, Ribordy said he is excited to move into this new role. He added he is excited to continue to work with the public and provide the high quality service residents have come to expect from Sweetwater County Fire District No. 1.
