Smith Valley fire departments hone leadership skills in weekend class

FLATHEAD VALLEY, Mont. – Firefighters from multiple local departments gathered over the weekend to enhance their leadership skills in a special L-280 class hosted by the Smith Valley Fire Department (SVFD).

According to SVFD, participants included members from Smith Valley Fire Department, West Valley Fire & Rescue, Marion Fire District, Bad Rock Volunteer Fire Department & QRU, Bigfork Fire, Big Mountain Fire and Rescue, and Martin City Fire Department.

The class, held from Friday night through Sunday, focused on core values such as duty, respect, and integrity. The training aimed to equip attendees with essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, and trust.

A spokesperson said, “The students and instructors gave up their weekend and spent Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday pursuing education and bettering themselves in order to better serve the Flathead Valley and our communities.”

The event concluded with team-building activities to reinforce the lessons learned.