Namedropper 8-17-08

Benjamin Aguirre

Benjamin Aguirre, of A-1 Flood and Fire Restoration in Yuma, has earned his qualification as a certified water damage restoration technician from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. To earn the status, Aguirre had to complete numerous hours of study and then pass an examination administered by the institute.

The institute is a nonprofit organization that uses a certification process to raise the technical proficiency of those employed in the cleaning, restoration and inspection industry.

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Alicia Z. Aguirre

Yuma attorney Alicia Z. Aguirre recently received intense mediation training at the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University, School of Law in Malibu, Calif. Trainees learned how to promote communication, encourage problem solving and bring about closure in disputes.

In addition to mediation, Aguirre specializes in workplace resolution, employment and business law, and EEOC investigations. Her law office is at 291 S. Main St. and can be reached at 329-1301 or by e-mail at aguirreaz@azbar.org.

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Lynn Wojcik

Lynn Wojcik has graduated from Arizona State University summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in fire service management. She will begin pursuing a master's degree in fire service administration at ASU this fall.

Hired as the first female firefighter with the city of Yuma Fire Department 18 years ago, Wojcik currently serves as a fire captain and paramedic. She is a certified Fire Officer II and certified public manager. She also is a part-time instructor for the Arizona Western College Public Safety Institute.

Next month, Wojcik will be attending Command and Control of Target Hazards, a specialized course for fire officers, at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.

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Wayne Shands

Longtime Yuma resident Wayne Shands has joined the Habitat for Humanity of Yuma board of directors.

A Yuma resident for 38 years, he brings a perspective of the local construction sector to the board as president of Eliminator Plumbing Inc. He began learning the plumbing trade when he was 18 and has been in business for eight years.