South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual award ceremony - honors staff and two young heroes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual awards ceremony for their department was held recently by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR). They use the ceremony each year to recognize milestones and the previous year's accomplishments.

This year's ceremony was held in the Duke Theatre at Lake Tahoe Community College. Family and friends gathered to witness Fire Chief Jim Drennan, City Manager Joe Irvin, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass, and Firefighter’s Association President Al Martinez) address the department.

SLTFR recognized five new firefighters who were hired in 2023, along with those with five-year, 10-year, and 15-year milestones of being with SLTFR.

Chief Drennan presented the following people with awards and recognitions:

Dispatcher of the Year: Samantha Williams

Firefighter of the Year: Jake Reginato

Fire Chief’s Meritorious Award: Haven Wilvers

Sallie Ross was recognized for her efforts in assisting the department all year.

Two South Tahoe Middle School students were recognized for their heroic efforts in November of 2023. Seerat Ahuja and Sam Blacketer jumped into action when one of their classmates was choking on a piece of candy. One of them performed the Heimlich maneuver while the other student called 911. These efforts saved their classmate's life.