Warnick Named Stihl Forestry Hero

           

Mark S. Warnick, founder of Helping Our Own, a nonprofit organization that coordinates used equipment donations to fire departments, was named winner of the 2004 Stihl National Forestry Heroism Award.

Warnick retired as assistant chief of the Brixey and Rockbridge (Mo.) Volunteer Fire Department in 2000 to found Helping Our Own. After looking for much-needed equipment donations for his own department, Warnick found he had more equipment than he could use and helped 15 other fire departments in the county. The organization has since collected and distributed more than $28 million in equipment to 610 fire departments.

Warnick received an award plaque and monetary gift. Stihl also made a contribution to Helping Our Own, and because Warnick is a resident of Michigan, donated to Michigan State University's Department of Forestry.