October 7, 2014 - The 2014 annual Mariposa County Volunteer Firefighters’ Appreciation Picnic was held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Fairgrounds.

The afternoon picnic was held to thank the work of the county’s volunteer firefighters and recognize various fire volunteers for their achievements during the year. 

Volunteer County Fire Station of the Year was presented to the Fishcamp Fire Station and its volunteers.

Firefighter of the Year was presented to David Harer.

Rookie Firefighter of the Year was earned by Wyatt Brooks.

EMS volunteer of the Year was presented to James “Jim” Alley (SCOPE and Fire Volunteer)

Volunteer Captain of the Year was presented to Tina Sula, of the Don Pedro Volunteer Fire Station.

The volunteers enjoyed a BBQ lunch prepared by Keith Stowell and Chumley’s Backwoods BBQ.

During the afternoon a special presentation was made in honor of Donald G. Weston for his volunteerism, passion and work in county fire fighting. Don’s widow, JoAnn Weston was present during the presentation ceremony. 

Donald G. Weston joined the Bootjack Volunteer Fire Department soon after he and his family moved to Mariposa County in 1976. His desire to serve his community combined with his passion for emergency response propelled him to become the consummate Mariposa County Volunteer Firefighter. Don recognized the need for a unified County-wide Fire Department and summoned the Chiefs of the other community based fire stations to initiate a leadership group that became the Mariposa County Fire Chiefs’ Association, a group that serves members’ needs. During his volunteer firefighter career, Don focused on improving the firefighting equipment and training. Don’s work ultimately resulted in the formation of today’s Mariposa County Fire Department which has forever earned Donald G. Weston to be recognized as the “Father of the Mariposa County Fire Department.

The plaque was donated by MPUD Fire Captain Dennis Buck and retired Mariposa County Fire Captain Dan Smith. Sheriff Doug Binnewies presented it to both County Fire and JoAnn Weston. 

The Mariposa County Fire Department and the Sheriff thank all of the local businesses and community members that donated time and items to ensure that the volunteer firefighting picnic was a success. All are very thankful for the support.

Source: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office