Former Worland chief to be inducted in Wyoming Fire Service Hall of Fame

RIVERTON – The Wyoming Local Assistance State Team (L.A.S.T.) announced the annual Wyoming Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service and the Wyoming Fire Service Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this week.

The Ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, August 20, to occur on the Wyoming State Fire Academy Grounds, located at 2500 Academy Court in Riverton. The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with the annual Wyoming Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. A public reception will follow the Memorial service in the Academy building.

Inductees being honored at this years’ Wyoming Fire Service Hall of Fame ceremony include:

- Robert L. Taylor, Former Chief, Worland Fire Protection District (Posthumous Induction)

- Lanny Applegate, Wyoming State Fire Marshal (Ret.), Former Chief, Lander Volunteer Fire Department

Taylor, according to his family, “found his true passion in the Worland Fire Service in May 1969. After going through the ranks of the fire department, he became fire chief in 1977, and in February 1978, he became the first paid District Fire Chief. Chief Taylor was instrumental in hiring the first female fire fighter, a new fire station, public education in the schools, and becoming the first volunteer fire department in a five-state region to obtain an ISO 3 rating. He also served on numerous committees within the state and national fire service.”

He passed away on Aug. 11, 2021, at the age of 83.

The Wyoming Fire Service Hall of Fame celebrates Wyoming Firefighters who have demonstrated significant contribution and service to their local communities and the fire service in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service is held annually recognizing and honoring those Wyoming Firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of Wyoming. The Memorial, constructed in 1990, is inscribed with the names of 56 Wyoming Firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1920. This years’ service will honor all 56 firefighters and their surviving family members. Four Fallen Wyoming Firefighters will be inscribed to the memorial this year, bringing the total to 60.

The following Firefighters will be honored: Deputy Chief Charles “Chuck” Scottini, Laramie County Fire Authority; Fire Warden John Strong, Weston County Fire District; Calvin Sanders, Powell Fire Department; and Chief Randy Vickers, Laramie Fire Department.

Both services will include participation by Fire Service Honor/Color Guards, Bagpipes & Drums, Fire Departments, Emergency Services Departments, and family members from all corners of Wyoming.