Local firefighters stop by celebrity golf to support Charles Barkley

"Charles Barkley became a beacon of hope and support for the firefighters and the recovery efforts of the community," Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin told the crowd at the 10th tee Friday morning. "Charles, we are here to support and cheer you on in your game today. We want people to care, be aware and prepare for wildfires. On behalf of the Fire Chiefs of Lake Tahoe, Sir Charles thank you for caring."

Barkley was on the South Shore for the American Century Championship ten years ago after the Angora Fire tore through 3,100 acres off of Upper Truckee Road, destroying 242 homes and leaving a community shocked.

The golf tournament that year was from July 13 to July 15, and Barkley was joined by 77 other celebrities at Edgewood Tahoe.

"I didn't think it'd be fair for us to have fun with the tragedy that just happened," said former NBA player Charles Barkley during a recent press conference.

Barkley left the course and headed to the fire area where he met with firefighters and then treated them, along with their families, to dinner at Cabo Wabo inside Harveys. Lake Valley Fire, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Tahoe Douglas Fire Departments joined Barkley. At the peak, there were as many as 2,180 firefighters involved in battling the blaze.

"The town rolls out the red carpet for us every year and we can't just come there are play," added Barkley of his thoughts in 2007.

Not only did Barkley take everyone to dinner, he also donated $100,000 that year and added another $90,000 the following year to go those who lost everything. in the Angora Fire.

"Thank you for having us up there every year," said Barkley.

And now, the community is thanking him back.

"In sports there is a saying “Game On” But Charles Barkley knew it was no game," said Guevin. "But it was definitely “on” and he could not sit on the side lines! "

Barkley also parted with some wisdom for 5-year-old Logan Fogarty whose is with Tahoe Douglas Fire. When the two shook hands, Logan was a bit shy in telling the basketball what his name was.

"First impressions are important," said Barkley. "Talk with confidence and let them know 'I'm here and I'm Logan'."

14-year-old MacKenzie Baker, daughter of Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Scott Baker, presented Barkley with a commemorative slice of wood with Zephyr Fire Crew's logo.