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Ski patrollers combine for nearly a century of experience at Mount Southington

Decades dedicated to going downhill safely

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — Walt Behuniak began as a Ski Patrolman at Mount Southington in 1970, his cohort Ron Fenner started on the Ski Patrol team in 1977 – add it up and it’s a combined 99 years dedicated to safety on the slopes. 

“We have one of the most experienced ski patrols in the entire country,” said Jay Dougherty, the general manager of Mount Southington.

Both Behuniak and Fenner are still enthusiastic about their roles on the ski trails – even after all these years. 

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"If someone gets injured, we will take them down from the top of the mountain, do whatever we need to do, splint them, bandage them… we’re certified through outdoor ski patrol with outdoor emergency care which is very similar to an EMT course.”  

Behuniak, a session leader on the ski patrol is soon to turn 75 years old. 

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 “Sun, rain, snow, sleet we’re kind of like the mailman we’re here no matter what,” Fenner said. 

Mount Southington currently has 69 ski patrolmen and women among its ranks – many are volunteers, but some are on staff. 

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“They are core to our operation especially with so many people out here every day, we need that degree of safety here,” Fenner said. 

Dougherty, the general manager of Mount Southington, said that the best part of it is being out in the fresh air and also the camaraderie. 

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