After reaching twenty years of service to the community earlier this month, Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal Kathy Clay announced that she is retiring from Jackson Hole/Fire EMS in May. Starting as a volunteer member in the Hoback Fire Station, Clay realized how much she enjoyed the community engagement and important work the fire department does for the community.
When a part-time fire inspector position became available in 2006, she filled the position and ultimately, found her passion. In 2011, Clay became Wyoming’s first female Battalion Chief Fire Marshal, adding to the many “firsts” in her life. Clay sits on many local and national committees and anticipates continuing being active in the fire service world.
Among those associations, she is an appointed member of the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Fire Prevention, represents the International Association of Wildland Fire on the Vision 20/20 Steering Committee, is a member of the Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, serves with UL Fire Safety Institute Public Education Committee, is a nationally certified car seat instructor, and certified fire investigator. Clay’s husband and Captain of the Hoback Fire Station, Mike Trumbower, will also retire this June after 36 years of volunteer service. Upon retirement, the two will reside on a small Idaho ranch outside Freedom, Wyoming.
