Duane Reif was recognized and presented an award for his 25 years of selfless service as a volunteer firefighter with the Hoisington Fire Department. A lifetime Barton County resident Reif was raised on a farm in northern Barton County. He graduated from Hoisington High School and earned his education at Barton Community College.

After they wed, Reif and his wife Deborah moved to Hoisington.

“Hoisington is home to us,” Reif said. “This is where most of our friends live. It’s a strong and progressive community.”

When he was asked to join the HFD he knew most of the volunteers.

“The dedication runs deep,” he said. The dedication of the department was apparent when Reif mentioned other volunteers such as Chief Jerry Stricker, who is following in his father’s footsteps, Assistant Chief LaVern Boxberger, and Kevin Seyfert, and how these individuals have served for over 35 years with HFD. Every year spent on the fire department is worth it, Reif said. The fire department also responds to vehicle accidents and assists the EMS and Police Departments in addition to responding to fires.

“Being a volunteer department, I feel that I am doing a service to the community.”

In his professional career, Reif worked at a grain facility for 32 years before retiring. In his free time Reif stays busy spending time with his grandchildren, woodworking, and bicycling.

Reif is also involved with a few other organizations.

For 27 years he has been involved with the Kans 4 Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation. For two years he was on the Hoisington City Council before winning a spot as a Barton County Commissioner. His involvement with the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce keeps him connected with area businesses as well as his service to residents and neighbors he calls friends. Reif is a member also of First Christian Church in Great Bend.

Community Connections is a regular feature of the Great Bend Tribune, showcasing people who live in the Golden Belt. We welcome readers to submit names of individuals who are active in the community that they would like to see featured in a future story. Send suggestions to news@gbtribune.com and explain their “community connections.”