March 16, 2023 at 12:43 p.m.
Nokomis firefighter recognized for lifetime achievement
Nokomis firefighter recognized for lifetime achievement
By River News Staff-
Wayne Kinnally, a member of the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department for the past 45 years, is an example of the quiet bravery of those who give of their time to keep others safe.
In recognition of his many years of service to his community, Kinnally was awarded the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association's Charles B. Conway Lifetime Achievement Award during the group's annual convention Saturday, March 11, in La Crosse. His wife, Linda, and their family, including their four grandchildren, were in attendance for the special event.
Kinnally was nominated for the award by members of the fire department, who noted his many accomplishments not only at the Nokomis Fire Department but also at the county, regional and state level.
According to a press release announcing the award, some of Kinnally's significant accomplishments include:
• 23 years as fire chief, from 1993 to 2016, along with several other officer roles
• Awarded Nokomis Fire Department's annual Member of the Year award five times.
• Worked to improve the Nokomis Fire Department's insurance class rating, lowering property insurance premiums in the township.
• Helped get the Nokomis emergency medical responder program started in the early 1990s.
• Gained approval for new fire station constructed in 2002.
• Partnered with Oneida County EMS to place a paramedic ambulance in Nokomis.
- Has been fire instructor for Nicolet College for over 30 years.
• Helped gain approval for and implemented MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) in Oneida County and serves as MABAS Division 114 president.
• Serves as a member of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry's Fire Department Advisory Council.
• Member of the Chippewa Valley Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) as a significant contributor to some of their ongoing projects to preserve and share the legacy and history of the fire service.
He owns two antique fire engines, a 1930 Pirsch and a 1947 Pirsch.
"Wayne's nomination was further supported by many letters of support from local citizens, town officials, and other public safety office holders, who noted his leadership skills, knowledge, and passion for the fire service," the release said. In his acceptance speech, Kinnally noted that the honor was totally unexpected as he did not know he had been nominated until he received notice that he had been chosen for the award several weeks ago.
He also said that it seems like only yesterday he was going on his first calls or teaching his first class.
"What they say is true, if you enjoy what you do, it doesn't seem like work," he said.
He thanked his family for understanding the times he had meetings or calls that took him away from home, as is the case for all public safety responders. He closed by advising all in attendance to, "Stay safe and make sure you enjoy what you do every day."
The Wisconsin State Firefighters Association serves firefighters and the fire service regarding all things of interest for fire departments throughout Wisconsin. The lifetime achievement award is named after Charles B. Conway, a Navy veteran and longtime fire service contributor, firefighter, and chief officer with the New Berlin Fire Department. Chief Conway passed away in 2010.
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