Chinook Fire Fighters to Honor Two Retiring Chiefs

The members of the Chinook Volunteer Fire Department invite the community to join them as they honor Kraig Hansen and Preston Gilmore, two longtime local firefighters who recently retired. The event will be held 1pm-3pm on Saturday, June 10, at the Chinook Fire Hall at the south edge of the city.

Kraig Hansen, who served as Chief of the Chinook department for 20 years, retired January 31 of this year. Before joining the Chinook department he was Chief of the Harlem Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years. Kraig's recent retirement caps a 47-year career as a firefighter. Preston Gilmore, who most recently served as an Assistant Chief in the Chinook department retired last October after 20 years as a volunteer firefighter.

Scott Gallus was appointed new Chief of the Chinook Fire Department on February 1 of this year. Scott has been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years and served the last ten as an Assistant Chief with the Chinook department. Scott explained the retirement party was delayed for some time because of conflicts with the retirees' schedules and weather issues. He noted because of Chief Hansen's service with several Montana and national volunteer firefighters' associations a number of out of town visitors are expected to attend the event. A number of former volunteer firefighters from the Chinook department are also expected to be on hand for the celebration.

During the get together a plaque for service will be presented to each of the recent retirees. New Chief Gallus said the schedule for the event would be flexible with time for guests to visit, congratulate the retirees and share memories. Cake and ice cream will be served. Questions about the retirement event should be referred to Chief Gallus at 406-262-2765.

There is still a need for more volunteer firefighters. To learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Chinook Fire Department call Chief Scott Gallus or speak to any current firefighter with the department.