Governor names Diedtrich Day

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
In what is believed to be the first day in Wyoming’s history dedicated to a firefighter, Gov. Mark Gordon has declared March 8 as Fireman Gene Diedtrich Day. Gordon presented the proclamation in a short ceremony at the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department Fire Hall on Feb. 23. 
Diedtrich began his fire-fighting venture one year before he met his wife, Joyce, and has continued to serve as a Newcastle volunteer firefighter for the past 60 years. Last year, the longtime firefighter was one of the first four inductees into the newly created Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame.
Diedtrich joined the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department in December 1961. He is still an active member and has held all the department’s elective offices, including serving as chief for six years. 
In addition to serving the Newcastle and Weston County community, Diedtrich played an integral role in getting Wyoming volunteer firefighters a pension while serving as the chairman of the Fire Pension and Mutual Aid Board, according to the proclamation signed by the governor. 
Diedtrich previously told the News Letter Journal that he is serving in his 30th year as a member of the Wyoming Retirement System’s Volunteer Firemen’s, EMT and Search and Rescue Pension Fund Board. He has served as the chairman of the board since 2015. 
“Whereas, Gene has lobbied for the Wyoming fire service for many years and is an inaugural member of the Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame; and whereas, Gene has been a mentor and friend to many firemen and women not only in the City of Newcastle but throughout the entire State of Wyoming,” the proclamation continues.
As previously reported, Diedtrich also served as the secretary of the Wyoming State Firemen’s Association board in 1976 and was named president in 1984. 
“In 1994, the group expanded its officer positions and created an executive secretary position. I have served as the executive secretary since the position was formed,” he said. 
Diedtrich has also received the Distinguished Service Honor Roll award in 2000 from the Newcastle Fire Department. He received the Fireman of the Year award in 2000 and a gold-plated commemorative ax for 50 years of service. He also was awarded a certificate of accomplishment by the state of Wyoming.
Despite his 60 years of service, Diedtrich said during the presentation that he has no plans to retire, that he is still going strong and loves serving his community and the state of Wyoming.
“Sixty years is pretty good; I’m about halfway there,” Diedtrich said, while wiping tears from his eyes.