Golden Gate Fire graduates pinned

GOLDEN GATE CANYON - Golden Gate Fire Protection District celebrated six new graduates at an open community

brunch on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Golden Gate Canyon Grange, 25231 Golden Gate

Canyon Rd. The new firefighters have all successfully completed their Firefighter One training. 

That training required many hours of commitment. 

By about 11 a.m., the Grange was packed with community members. The event started

with the brunch, which included pancakes, fruit, and sausage. Servers and cooks included

DeeDee Ramstetter, and John and Kim Luzeckyj.

Resident Patti Neer said, “You have the core of the Golden Gate Community right here.”

She and her husband John enjoyed their breakfast, while adding that Fire Chief Kyle Benson and

the new District Board have made a big difference in the past two years, including doubling the

number of volunteers in the District. “When people see a good leader, they will follow,” John

Neer said.

Two little girls, Hadley and Madison Costeldia, attended the event and are seventh

generation Ramstetters. Their three great-grandfathers started this fire station, they told The

Mountain-Ear. Effie Bachman, a former fire fighter in the District for 10 years, also attended.

Lori Brill, Battalion Chief with the Fire District, brought in the U.S. Flag to open the

ceremony. Terri Costeldia, president of the Grange and Community Center, said the Grange has

180 members and is the largest Grange in the state. She has been president of the Grange for five

years and is also a State Grange Officer.

Benson said the District has six firefighters who are graduating today. “This is the

important part. They do all the work,” Benson stated.

Six people started in the academy, and six people are graduating, he noted. He added that

everyone who started, finished. “They are strong and pulled each other up,” Benson said,

thanking the graduates and their families. It took 250 to 300 hours of work. “I’m super proud of

them,” he said.

Graduates were Alaina Clar, pinned by Carolyn Carpenter; Dale Ellenson, pinned by his

wife Caitlin; Tyler Cockerham, pinned by Araddie Geurts; Brock Costeldia, pinned by his wife,

Christina; Collin Sager, pinned by Jill Weston; and Nick Walker, pinned by Tyler Bassett.

Brill and Assistant Chief Chris Enright presented special awards. Dale Ellenson received

top recruit, Nick Meyer received Top Instructor, and Brock Costeldia received Top Grit.

Firefighters also received jackets from the Academy.

Benson closed the ceremony with remarks. He pointed out that this has been a long

process – putting on a Fire Academy in the District was a big deal on December 20, 2023. He

added that when Moses was at the burning bush, he said, “I’m here. Send me.”

“That quote is the embodiment of what it means to be a firefighter or first responder. The

keys to success are: do your job, treat people right, give all out effort, and have an all-in

attitude.”

Benson encouraged everyone to go back for more food. Visitors and the firefighters

mingled over coffee.

The Grange will host its annual fair on October 19. For more information, go to to https://

MAIN - Golden Gate Fire Protection District.