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By Chief Wade Watkins
The accompanying picture is of UFA Captain Charles Dejournett, he has served Riverton City since 2006 with a total of 29 years of service. He has been many things in his life from cowboy to fire captain and many things in-between. Captain Dejournett has just retired as of December of 2020 and has left a legacy within the fire service and community. He has served in many capacities from rescue officer with Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF 1) during 9/11 to training more firefighters than any other fire officer in Utah through his efforts at the Utah Fire Rescue Academy.
His balanced approach to leading firefighters and responding to the community’s needs is an example for us all. He is known for kindness and a commonsense approach when leading firefighters and interacting with the public. He naturally creates a positive environment for all that are around him. His specialty at the firehouse includes Charlie’s fried chicken and Charlie’s popcorn. It is commonly known with the firefighters, that if dinner isn’t ready by 5:30 p.m., Captain Charlie Dejournett will be serving up a tune up.
Captain Dejournett is one of the hardest and smartest working firefighters around. He is also one of the hardest playing firefighters around. He is notorious for working day after day in an effort to spend quality time with his family and friends and to work on his mediocre golf skills in Star Valley Wyoming during the summer months, often referred to as the “Summer of Charlie.”
Leaving it better than he found it, is exactly what he is doing. Captain Dejournett has touched so many people through being genuine and kind. The legacy of his service is reflected in the firefighter community and especially the firefighters serving Riverton City and surrounding areas.