Lake Valley Fire announces Firefighter and Citizen of the Year

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District held their first Commendation Ceremony on Saturday night at Lake Tahoe Golf Course, honoring firefighters and citizens for their efforts during the past year.

Winners during the evening:

Firefighter of the Year – Ted Jackson

Civilian Award of Merit – Jacob Zorn, Dept of Transportation
Civilian Award of Merit – Ian Whitmarsh, University of San Francisco
Life Saver Award – Alex Vaughn, Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Patrol
Life Saver Award – Engineer Wes Long and Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Anderson
Life Saver Award – Engineer Luke Anderson and Ret. Capt. Joe McAvoy
Medal of Valor - Battalion Chief Brad Zlendick

During the ceremony, those responding to 2016's Emerald Fire were honored with ribbons and recognition: Lake Valley Fire Protection District, North Tahoe Fire Protection District, South Tahoe Fire and Rescue, Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, CalFire AEU, Eastern Alpine FPD, Fallen Leaf Lake Fire CSD, US Forest Service TMU, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol. Meeks Bay FPD Engine 61 was the first to respond to what was originally dispatched as a "smoke check".

LVFPD Honor Guard duties during the evening were carried out by Nathan Hagenbach, Mike Anderson, Jan Bojsen-Moller, Charles Malone, Dylan Yuzbick and Dusty LaChapelle.