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A RESOLUTION honoring Chief Greg Estes on being named the 2023 Kentucky 1
Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year. 2
WHEREAS, Greg Estes began working in fire departments as a Junior Firefighter 3
at the age of 15. He has been a member of the Owenton Volunteer Fire Department, 4
Owen County Volunteer Fire Department, and the Owen County Search and Rescue 5
Squad since 1987; and 6
WHEREAS, in 2018, Greg Estes was elected chief of the Owen County Search and 7
Rescue Squad. In 2021, he was appointed fire chief of the Owenton Volunteer Fire 8
Department and elected fire chief of the Owen County Volunteer Fire Department. Chief 9
Estes is the first to hold the office of chief in all three departments at the same time 10
within Owen County; and 11
WHEREAS, Chief Estes sets the standard of safe, efficient, and effective delivery 12
of service to the citizens of Owen County. He participates in quarterly disaster emergency 13
services meetings and works with three other volunteer fire departments. In 2022, Chief 14
Estes worked with other fire chiefs and the Owen County Emergency Medical Services 15
administrator to evaluate Owen County's preplanned landing zones for aeromedical 16
flights that are routinely required by emergency medical services to evacuate the 17
critically ill or injured. Chief Estes coordinated with helicopter crews and property 18
owners to ensure that each area of Owen County has a safe, accessible landing zone in 19
close proximity; and 20
WHEREAS, Chief Estes demonstrates fiscal responsibility of his fire departments. 21
He successfully secures grants and ensures the departments apply for any available grant 22
from the Kentucky Fire Commission, Division of Forestry, Office of Homeland Security, 23
and any corporate partner that the departments may be eligible for; and 24
WHEREAS, Chief Estes is an advocate for professional development and 25
encourages his department members to earn certifications, participate in continuing 26
education opportunities, and attend basic academies; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2231
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WHEREAS, Chief Estes is a consummate public servant. Through his construction 1
company he has overseen the building of public memorials, repairing the city fire station, 2
and sponsoring community events that promote fire safety. Chief Estes additionally 3
donates his time towards station and vehicle repairs in order to ensure money can be 4
allocated towards new gear and equipment; and 5
WHEREAS, Chief Estes has spread his knowledge and kindness across the 6
Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has donated his time, knowledge, and resources to 7
assist with response to natural disasters within this state; and 8
WHEREAS, Chief Estes's motto of "Make it happen" has become a mantra of the 9
departments he oversees. He believes the officers and members of the departments have a 10
responsibility and authority to meet the needs of the community and state; 11
NOW, THEREFORE, 12
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 13
Kentucky: 14
Section 1. The members of the Senate join Senator Gex Williams in honoring 15
Chief Greg Estes for his accomplished career and thanking him for his service to the 16
citizens of Owen County and Kentucky. 17
Section 2. The Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this 18
Resolution to Senator Gex Williams for presentation to Chief Greg Estes. 19