BONNERS FERRY-April 1, Bonners Ferry Volunteer Fire Department entered the Viking Life-Safety Equipment competition, Viking Shake Off Challenge-to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. On April 23, Sr. Captain Ken Baker traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Fire Department Instructors Conference to accept First Prize for their video.

Chief Warkentin was informed of the challenged April 1st, and the video was due midnight, April 2nd.

When asked about who showed up for the challenge, Chief Pat stated, “only the bravest of the brave showed up to dance.”

The BFFD, or “The One Day Wonders” were awarded $52,000.00 worth of state of the art turn out equipment; enough to outfit 10 firefighters. Discussing who out of the 24 firefighters would receive the gear, he said, “it will all shake out – so to speak.”

The Chief and 8 others spent approximately 15 minutes practicing their choreographed dance. It was videoed a few times and then was edited together. When asked if he would try this again, Chief Pat stated, “Oh yeah.”

Chief Warkentin stated this could not be done without the help of Ilona Rosengrant-choreography, Andre Rosengrant – editing, John Savage – video, and Julie Colson – video. He also wanted to thank Mike Lyons, the General Fire Representative for giving them the information on the competition, not an April Fool’s Joke as they had thought.