New year, new chief

By Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — For more than 60 years, Trinity Fire & Rescue has responded to fires and accidents with at least one member of the Huffman family, including Chief Wayne Huffman.

In 2024, the streak ends with Huffman’s retirement, which took place Dec. 31.

Newly minted Chief Keith Johnson said there probably isn’t a more dedicated public servant.

“He has given more hours than anyone I can think of to the city of Trinity, Trinity County and this department,” Johnson said. “He has been an asset, and a lot of knowledge is leaving us.”

Huffman got on the fire department in 1964, joining his brothers H.L and Hayne. At the that time, the pumper trucks currently housed in the department museum were in use.

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Since then, he earned an advanced firefighter certification, and served as the department’s chief for the last two years following the death of his brother Hayne, who was chief previously.

In addition to being a firefighter, Huffman was a carrier with the U.S. Postal Service for 43 years; a deputy with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department; director of the Trinity County Emergency Corps; and for more than 50 years, served on the Trinity City Council in all positions, including Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor.

Following in those footsteps will be a difficult task, Johnson said.

However, Johnson said he currently is the chair of the Trinity Ex-Students Association scholarship committee; vice president of the Trinity Economic Development Council; president of the Clapp Cemetery Association; and also serves as a Justice of the Peace.

Johnson began his fire department journey in 1982, and over the years has served as firefighter, training officer, department secretary, and even drill captain. He has been assistant fire chief since 2021.

His certifications include master firefighter and instructor.