RTC Communicator for Fall 2018

10 FALL 2018 RTC Employees Make a Difference byVolunteering RTC employees put in countless hours as volunteers for a variety of local organizations and events—see the list below—and we want to take this opportunity to publicly thank them. Their generous commitment of time and energy helps to keep our local communities thriving. We would also like to extend a special thank you to all those who volunteer as emer- gency responders. Week after week, they selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to help those in need. Someday they could be pulling you out of a burning building, rescuing you after a car accident or getting you to the hospital when moments are critical. These men and women undergo extensive training and perform these duties with integrity, never asking for anything in return. Because RTC is aware of gaps in funding for local emergency responders, we are donat- ing monetarily to every emergency service facility in our service area. The need for volunteers is always great, especially in rural areas, and RTC encourages you to consider volunteering if you are not doing so already. In addition to helping communities, volunteering also provides benefits to the volunteer such as making friends, gaining skills, and boosting self-esteem. A survey released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2016, the most recent year available, shows that 25 percent of Americans take the time to volunteer. That percentage is higher, nearly 31 percent, in North Dakota. When we all lend a hand, we can do great things! RTC employees volunteer for numerous community organizations and events including: Fire Departments, Ambulance, Quick Response, Food Banks, Humane Society, City Chambers, School Boards, School PTO, Boys and Girls Clubs, City Councils, Youth Baseball Coaches, Youth Football Coaches, Church Boards, Park Boards, Planning and Zoning Committees, Community Cleanup, County Farmers Union Boards, Kenmare Community Development Corp, Optimist Club, Friends of Lake Sakakawea Board, SACA local arts council, Dickens Festival Committee, movie theater projectionist volunteer, Makoti Threshing Committee, ND Governors Cup volunteer, and Goosefest Committee. RTC’s Dave Uhlich is Watford City’s Fire Chief Like many boys, Dave Uhlich dreamed of becoming a firefighter when he grew up. He decided it was a sure thing after a Halloween fire took place in Watford City in 1999. Dave has been with the Watford City Fire Department since November 2001 and is also RTC’s Combination Tech Coordinator. He took over as Fire Chief in January 2018. Dave said,“I feel our most essential duty is to be there for the community, whether that is teaching the kids about fire prevention or being there in some- one’s time of need.” He appreciates the brotherhood and friendships he has gained with his fel- low firefighters and the feeling you get when you make a difference. What challenges has Dave faced as Fire Chief? He responded, “They include ensuring all our firefighters return safely after every call and keeping everyone trained and prepared for whatever comes our way. My biggest challenge would have to be finding a way to lead by example and make everyone a bet- ter firefighter.”