Fire Warden Miller Honored

by Amy Kolb Noyes

Representative Warren Miller, of Elmore, has only served in the House
for two years. However, noted the state's Forest Protection Specialist
Bernie Barton, he's a man that knows how to get things done. What's
more, said Barton, Miller has proven his interest in and commitment to
fire protection in Vermont.
This year marks the 100th year of the town fire warden program in
Vermont. Miller has served as Elmore's fire warden for the past 18
years. Barton explained a town fire warden training and dinner is held
each spring. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation decided to
seek a legislative resolution celebrating the centennial anniversary. On
short notice, Miller introduced the resolution, which was signed by the
governor in time for the annual gathering of town fire wardens.
"We thought that was something that really needed to be done and he got
it done in a hurry," Barton explained.
In appreciation, Miller was presented a Smokey the Bear clock at the
annual dinner.
This session, Miller was also appointed by his legislative peers to be a
North Eastern Forest Fire Protection Commissioner. Barton explained the
"Northeastern Compact," as it is commonly called, includes all the New
England states, New York, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec, New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Each state or province is represented by
three commissioners. In Vermont, one commissioner (in this case Miller)
is appointed by the Legislature. Barton explained the commissioners
oversee a $600,000 budget to promote fire prevention and training.
Barton said of Miller that he has served his town, county, state and now
the entire northeast as a compact commissioner. Barton also quipped,
"Unlike the Legislature, if he wants to come to any of our meetings in
shorts, he may."