Charlie Ziska

Sitting at the end of the firehouse table — nearest to the coffee maker gurgling on the last drops in the brewing process for a fresh pot of Folgers — Kenny Skalsky almost smiled.

Tuesday was Skalsky’s birthday. He was celebrating both his birthday and his retirement from Park County Fire Protection District 1 all on the same day. It must have been a little bittersweet leaving the department after 15 years as the only full-time employee with the volunteer firefighters. He also spent 16 years as a volunteer prior to stepping into the role as administrator.

But the small crowd of first responders present wouldn’t let any of the sadness leak  into the conversation. Instead they made fun of Skalsky — a common form of affection between the men who call the station a second home.

He was also happily looking forward to a Florida vacation to celebrate his retirement with his wife, Sue.

“I won’t be buying a Speedo,” Skalsky quipped.

Instead of catching rays on the beach, Skalsky hopes to have time to fish, hunt, golf and travel around in his motorhome with the love of his life. His wife Sue worked in the high school administrative office for 27 years and has been retired for two years. She’s  looking forward to having Kenny join her in all the fun.

“We’re going to play it by ear,” he said.

On top of the list is the couple’s three grandchildren, who are all in Powell so they won’t be gone too long.

The morning cup of coffee with the group was the only party planned until the couple returns in July. Only then will his second family get a chance to congratulate him properly.

“It’s a family here,” he said of his firefighting friends. “You become friends. I mean, you work with them every day. This truly is a family.”

Jerry Faxon, Powell Fire District 1 director, said Skalsky “will certainly be missed.”

“He’s been a dedicated employee. This place is in great shape because of him,” Faxon said.

The job requires many talents, Faxon said, to both keep the books and also maintain all the equipment needed so the volunteers can respond at a moment’s notice.

“I don’t think people realize how much work it actually is,” he said, adding that the administrator really works for two entities — the department and the board of directors.

Also at the table was Charlie Ziska, a former volunteer firefighter from Cody and the new administrator for the Powell team.

Ziska is a Cody High School graduate and has spent his career managing Park County ranches. He joined the Cody volunteers at 23 and for the past two months he has been shadowing Skalsky, learning the job.

“Kenny has shown me all the ins and outs, what to watch for and what not to do,” Ziska said.

Ziska is moving to the Powell area, building a house west of town for his family, including his wife Sarah and four children.

Faxon said Ziska’s experience as a firefighter was important, but equally so is his hands-on experience with maintenance and his problem solving abilities. Faxon said Ziska will be a great addition to an already great team.

“The job takes a lot of dedication to the community,” he said. “We’re so lucky to have the volunteer department we have. They stack up well against any full-time department.”