U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Fire Marshal Rick Later of Beaverhead County for his tremendous impact on the state of Montana.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Fire Marshal Rick Later of Beaverhead County for his 40 years of service protecting the folks of Dillon and Beaverhead County.
Later’s experience with firefighting began in 1974, when he joined the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer.
After decades of volunteer service, Later became Fire Marshal in 2003. In his new role, he was given the responsibility of not only managing fire safety and prevention in Dillon, but overseeing the safety of Montanans across Fire District #2.
The district stretches from Glen, to the south end of the reservoir, to Horse Prairie to Bannack. Spanning over 5,500 square miles, the county is roughly the size of the state of Connecticut.
As Fire Marshal, Later ran the fire hall diligently every day. He oversaw equipment maintenance and managed fire investigations and building inspections. He also worked closely with the Dillon City Council and developed a relationship with the Beaverhead County Planning Board and Zoning Commission.
Later’s service to his community and commitment to volunteering is exemplary of the Montana spirit. I commend him for 40 years of service and I join the folks in Dillon and Beaverhead County in gratitude for his insight and leadership over the years.
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