CLEARLAKE ? Lake County Fire Protection District (LCFPD) Volunteer Firefighters Association hosted its annual awards banquet Saturday at El Grande Inn in Clearlake. The event recognized continued years of service as well as the association”s selections of outstanding contributors to the public service organization.
Kari Harris, the association”s first female president welcomed all to the event and called for a moment of silence in honor of all fallen firefighters. The program continued with Fire Chief Jim McMurray who called for introductions and proceeded with presentations of years of service pins. “This is one of my favorite things to do because it is unbelievable how long people stay with this department,” he said.
Ten year pins were presented to Pat Trotter, Jason Trudell and Shawn Shepherd. Ronnie Boyd, who has been venturing out providing his services to agencies around the state, was presented with a 15-year pin. “This is by far one of the strongest volunteer fire departments in the state of California,” he said.
Captain Dave Deakins was commended on 20 years of service with the department while Battalion Chief George Murch received a token for 25 years. “Twenty-five years is a long time and my heart will always be with you guys,” Murch said.
A retirement badge for nearly 20 years of service was presented to Mike Smith. “I”ll tell you, I had a blast. This is a great group of people,” he said.
Each year members of the association select a firefighter new to the organization who has displayed outstanding ability in joining the field. This year”s Rookie of the Year award was presented to Raphael Rodriguez-Gallegos. “It”s been a great year,” he said, adding appreciation for the guidance and acceptance he”s received within the department. “Everybody has been real helpful and patient with all the things I”ve been learning through the year,” he said.
The Firefighter of the Year was described with glowing accomplishments. “Our Firefighter of the Year is a great asset to the department and the association. He was hired as a mechanic and went on to become a firefighter, EMT and mechanic. Now he is a certified electrician. Our Firefighter of the Year is Kyle Shields,” McMurray said.
“It went by quick. It was five years ago when my brother and I started. I”m sure it will be 25 years for us, too, real soon,” Shields said.
Jeremy Johns, past association president, was also recognized during the event. He received a decorative plaque for his contributions as president.
LCFPD is responsible for 165 square miles, including the City of Clearlake and the community of Lower Lake and surrounding areas. The district responds to approximately 3300 calls for assistance annually including medical aids, fires, hazardous material spills and vehicle collisions. It staffs one station full time, in the City of Clearlake and one station on a part-time basis, in Lower Lake.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
