Duane Gillies – Class of 1959

                      Duane Gillies became a firefighter in 1964 and served his community in this capacity for thirty years. After graduating from Sparks High School in 1959, Mr. Gillies attended the University of Nevada, Reno and spent six years with the United States Air National Guard 152nd Combat Support Squadron.  He also attended fire science programs at Western Nevada Community College.

            In his time as a firefighter, Mr. Gilles did remarkable things for the state of Nevada.  He had the courage and foresight to step up and participate in hiring the first female firefighter in this area.  He also rescored a child who was near death.  Mr. Gillies was able to dislodge an obstruction in the child’s air passage before the child stopped breathing.  Mr. Gilled worked as a firefighter, an operator, a captain, and he finished out his career as a battalion chief.

            While attending Sparks High School, he participated in many school activities – especially anything associated with basketball and football.  He also participated in the Sophisticates ( a car club), “Gama Etha Kappa,” (a fraternity for high school students), and the glee club.

            Mr. Gillies has been in a long-term relationship with Judy LaFleur.  Together they have eight daughters and one son.  He retired in 1994.  He is now on the board of directors for the City of Reno Credit Union and he continues to be involved in the SHS alumni association.  He is on the Board of Directors Sparks heritage museum.  He also enjoys golfing, bowling, working in his yard – especially his Koi fish pond – and going on cruises.

Inducted 2008