firefighter

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District promotes four

There is a change of command at the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District. They recently promoted four staff members:

Battalion Chief Bryce Cranch promoted to Assistant Chief

Bryce has held the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain, Training Captain and Battalion Chief. Special assignments: EMS Chief, Facilities Chief. Serving the TDFPD community for 16 years.

Captain Chris Lucas promoted to Battalion Chief

Victim in fatal head-on collision identified as South Lake Tahoe resident

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The victim of Tuesday's deadly crash on US Highway 50 near Zephyr Cove has been identified as a South Lake Tahoe resident.

At 6:25 p.m., troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol responded to a head-on collision at Douglas County miler marker 3.

The NHP preliminary investigation shows a black 2011 Dodge Ram pickup was traveling eastbound on the highway approaching a right curve in the roadway. At that same time, a gray 2003 Honda Element was approaching the same curve as the driver headed westbound.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/18/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This week's Log:

10/18

7:45 a.m. - Vacation Home Rental - Nottaway Dr - VHR COMPLAINT

Two transported to hospital after trash truck overturns in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two male employees of South Tahoe Refuse (STR) were transported to Barton Hospital Thursday after the trash truck they were in turned over.

At 10:36 a.m. October 15, the trash truck was heading south on Pioneer Trail when its driver attempted to make a right-hand turn onto Elks Club Drive. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the driver was using excessive speed when he tried to make the tight turn, and the fully loaded truck turned over onto its left side on Elks Club.

USFS beaches and other day-use facilities around Lake Tahoe reopen Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and other day-use areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin will re-open for day-use only beginning Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020. Camping and overnight stays will not be permitted, and campgrounds will remain closed. Resorts will reopen for day-use only. Emergency Fire Restrictions will remain in effect through Nov. 30. I’ve attached the Forest Orders for your awareness.

The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place.

Fork Fire: Estimated at 2,200 acres and 7% containment

The Fork Fire continues to burn west of Lake Tahoe in the Rubicon River drainage and near the King Fire burn scar.

An infrared (IR) flight was not available again last night and the estimated 2,200 burned acreage is National Guard data from a drone and firefighter observations on the ground. The fire is seven percent contained.

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) awarded scholarships to a group of local students from South Tahoe High, George Whittell High, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy and Lake Tahoe Community College. The club, serving the community since 1959, has given out over one-million dollars to local graduates over the years.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue promotes three to position of captain; adds three firefighters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue recently held ceremonies for the hiring of three new firefighter/paramedics and the promotion of three to the rank of captain. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ceremonies were small and held at the fire station during their shifts.

Captain/Paramedic Mike Taormina

New battalion chief and captain on board for Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

STATELINE, Nev. - Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) Chief Scott Baker has announced the promotion of two in his department - Brandon Brady and Mark Norwood.

LTCC Fire Academy and Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue graduate new firefighters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College's Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy just graduated its 14th class of firefighters. There were added challenges due to the coronavirus and restrictions on classroom instruction, but with the flexibility of instructors, the state, and the college, the Fire Academy was one of the lucky programs that was able to complete training this year.

Almost all of the following graduating cadets are already employed:

Adam C. Alessi
Melanie O. Andersen
Cody L. Beggs

South Tahoe High School grad Tyler Pevenage awarded firefighter's scholarship

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tyler Pevenage, a recent graduate of South Tahoe High School, was awarded the “Michael Hoffman Memorial Scholarship” in the amount of $1,000.

This award is sponsored by the California State Firefighters’ Association Northern Division and open to family members of firefighters.

Tyler’s outstanding academic achievement, involvement in high school sports, leadership, and volunteer work in the community earned her this scholarship that is renewable yearly up to $4,000.

Lake Valley Fire selects Brad Zlendick as its new fire chief

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Valley Fire Protection District didn't have to search far for its new chief to replace the retiring Tim Alameda. Brad Zlendick, who has been in the interim chief role since March 18, is now officially the LVFPD fire chief.

Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

Campfire and smoking restrictions in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is implementing fire restrictions earlier than usual this year to reduce the number of human-caused fires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the current pandemic. The Humboldt-Toiyabe will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires and smoking outside of vehicles starting on April 15 and going until May 31, or until rescinded.

New fire chief selected for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The new fire chief hired for South Lake Tahoe is no stranger to the Sierra Nevada and El Dorado County.

Clive Savacool, the former chief of the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, will be taking the helm at South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, a position vacated when Jeff Meston retired in February 2019.

New interim fire chief for Lake Valley Fire Protection District

MEYERS, Calif. - Starting Wednesday, March 18, Lake Valley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Brad Zlendick will be moving into the role of Interim Fire Chief. The current chief, Tim Alameda, will be retiring starting May 9, but he will be using accrued vacation and sick time until then.

Letter: Encourage all residents to vote Yes on Measure B

I have been a resident in Lake Valley Fire District's jurisdiction for 29 years. Fortunately, my family has never had to use their services. But even so, I appreciate the value of quality, highly-trained Firefighter/Paramedics. I would guess that those many individuals whose lives they have saved would agree. To effectively perform their jobs, they need the best equipment possible and the funding to obtain it.

I am fully in support of Measure B and encourage all residents to vote YES!

Jamie Rhone, Meyers

Letter: Why we are still voting No on Measure B

We would like to respond to a recent "Letter to the Editor" on 2/17/20 in which the author infers that we may not have reached out to Lake Valley Fire for information. We have had multiple conversations with LVFPD Board Member, Leona Allen. Ms. Hall sent a letter seeking information and clarification to Chief Alameda which was published in a local newspaper and went unanswered.

Letter: Vote "No" on Measure B

Measure B is up for a vote. I am voting NO because the Lake Valley Fire Protection District spends most of its revenue on salaries and benefits leaving nothing to pay for new equipment.

Letter submitted to Chief Alameda, LVFPD

Dear Chief Alameda:

Here’s my take on Measure B, please correct me if I am out of the ballpark.

Revenue for LVFD for FY 18/19 was $6.8 million/year.

Salaries/wages paid out were a whopping $5.3 million including Overtime: $175,000 and Other Pay including Bonuses: $591,000.

Equipment purchased last year: $77,000.

This year, 2018/19: Equipment budgeted: $22,000.

It is fairly obvious where all the money went: into salaries/wages and benefits.

Letter: Yes on Measure B for Lake Valley Fire Protection District

Dear El Dorado County voters,
A little over a year ago, I was asked to serve on the Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s Feasibility Committee for Measure B. I represented you—the homeowner, citizen, and taxpayer. I would like to share a little about what I learned about the Lake Valley Fire Protection District and about Measure B.

Most importantly, I learned that our Lake Valley Fire Protection District is in dire need of our help in order to maintain their current excellent and top-notch level of service, and to sustain a healthy future.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During Thursday's annual South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue's annual awards ceremony, seven were honored for their milestones in length of service, three were given special citizen's awards and another four were given the dispatcher, firefighter and meritorious awards.

Award Winners

Engineer Paramedic Mike Taormina was given the Firefighter of the Year award

Melissa Dube was given the Dispatcher of the Year award

Captain Leslie Asbury and Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen were given the Fire Chief Meritorious awards

Proposed parcel tax for county residents to support Lake Valley Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On March 3, 2020, voters in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) boundaries will decide if Measure B should pass, a measure that would give the fire department funds for much-needed equipment, apparatuses, and supplies.

Lineup announced for Tahoe Arts Project's Dancing with the Tahoe Stars

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The much-anticipated pairings for the Tahoe Arts Project's 8th annual Dancing With the Tahoe Stars have been announced!

The local celebrities met their professional partners Tuesday night during a party at the Hard Rock Casino.

"Everyone is super excited about it," said Tahoe Arts Project Executive Director Peggy Blowney.

The stars (on the left) and their dancing partners:

Debbie Brown, owner of Cold Water Brewery with Matthew Slater
Jeff Connor, local musician and California Burger partner with Rhonda Keen

Tahoe Author Jennifer Quashnick Returns

Event Date: 
January 28, 2020 - 6:00pm

Book Launch. Tahoe author Jennifer Quashnick returns to introduce us to the fourth novel from her Mountaingirl Mysteries series, "Sierra Nevada Burning Revenge", which continues the adventures of Tahoe local Rachel Winters and her two dogs, Bella and Avi. In this adventure, Rachel's life is in danger. After a well-timed visitor interrupts a brutal attack, Rachel and her dogs are forced into hiding.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States

Lake Tahoe firefighter helping efforts in Australia

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - USFS Fire Captain Dave Soldavini from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is currently assigned to Australia as part of an interagency group helping with fire suppression efforts.

Soldavini is part of the third group of fire resources the country has deployed to Australia.

On Dec. 30, 2019, the Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior sent 44 personnel to Australia. An additional 21 personnel were mobilized on Jan. 4, 2020, and will replace a previous group of American firefighters mobilized in early December.

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The December edition of the City of South Lake Tahoe's "At Lake Level" has been released by City Manager Frank Rush. This month Rush covers SnowGlobe, the 56-acre site and a possible new Fire/EMS station for the community.

56-Acre Site

New fire chief hired for the City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ken Harrison has been hired to take the helm of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue. The former battalion chief with the Orange County Fire Authority is bringing years of experience to the lake.

The City hasn't had anyone in the permanent fire chief position since the departure of Jeff Meston retired in February of this year. Battalion Chief Jim Drennan and retired Chief Bruce Martin have shared the duties over the past eight months.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 109 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of August and September 2019:

August (59)

8/1
GREEN EARTH HOME CLEANING

8/2
AC DIKE CO
ENPRO SERVICES
SUPERIOR MECHANICAL SERVICES INC
WILLIAM STAEHLIN STRUCTURAL ENGINE.

8/5
GABRIEL UBIAS CORONA TAXI DRIVER
TEX'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

8/6
CENTRAL PACIFIC ROOFING INC
COMPASS TEAM BLAIR TAHOE
MASSAGE BY MONICA ROSE

8/7
ALPINE EXTERIORS
DARS CABIN IN THE WOODS SHARED HOME
LAKE TAHOE COMM. PRESBY. CHURCH
MOUNTAIN DESERT BUILDERS
RGH CONSTRUCTION LLC

Community newsletter from the City of South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe has launched its October Edition of "At Lake Level." The monthly newsletter is prepared by City Manager Frank Rush in an effort to keep the community well informed about City issues and initiatives.

Development Commodities Available at No Cost for Qualified Affordable Housing, Town Center, and Distressed Property Development

Tahoe Douglas Fire raises funds to award scholarship to Douglas High student

ROUND HILL, Nev. - Every Labor Day, the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) holds a pancake breakfast to support local students in their quest for higher education, and in particular in the field of public service.

They serve Douglas County at Lake Tahoe from the top of Kingsbury Grade to the top of Spooner Summit. This year they chose to invest in the Douglas High School graduating class of 2019 and awarded Alexa Moss with their annual scholarship.

Many of their employees and retirees reside in the valley and have raised their families there.

South Lake Tahoe receives $1.46M SAFER grant to fill 7 new firefighter spots

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has been awarded $1,462,702.50 in SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In an announcement of Round 4 awardees, South Lake Tahoe was named a recipient.

Funds will go to hire seven new firefighters in preparation for opening Fire Station 2 in the Al Tahoe neighborhood.

South Lake Tahoe 9/11 ceremony honors first responders and military

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was on this day in 2001 when a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks against the United States left 2,996 people dead, over 6,000 injured and causing at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage.

South Lake Tahoe joined communities around the country in honoring those who jumped in to rescue the survivors and joined in the fight against terrorism. At the American Legion, firefighters, police officers, veterans and community members gathered for a ceremony hosted by members of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary.

Tahoe Douglas Firehouse Pancake Breakast

Event Date: 
August 31, 2019 - 8:30am

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Douglas Fire Department is holding their annual Labor Day pancake breakfast on Saturday, August 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Round Hill firehouse.

There is much more on the menu than breakfast:

Tour the firehouse
Take photos with the fire trucks
Play Safety Games
Learn what PASS is and how to use a fire extinguisher
Learn about defensible space
Watch Bomb Squad demonstrations
Dress up like a firefighter
Learn how to properly install a car seat

Lake Tahoe fundraiser for Wildland Firefighter Foundation

Event Date: 
August 23, 2019 - 4:00pm

STATELINE, Nev. - Local Resident, George Waite is producing a special event for the community on Friday, August 23 at 4:00 p.m. at Kahle Community Park. It will be an evening of local bands with all gate proceeds going to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

Bring chairs, blankets and coolers. No bottles and no dogs will be allowed.

There will be Tacos by Sombreros Catering for sale and a bounce house for kids.

The cost at the door is a $5 donation with kids ages 12 and under free.

Angora Fire, Fire Academy and Leona Allen featured in Lake Tahoe tree-planting campaign

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California has just experienced the deadliest and most destructive wildfire seasons with more than 8,500 fires burning an area of more than 1.8 million acres in 2018 alone.

Fire is no stranger to Lake Tahoe.

Good Samaritans help first responders save drowning man at Lake Tahoe

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The extraordinary efforts of several Good Samaritans and deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office helped save the life of a man near Thunderbird Beach at Lake Tahoe July 5.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., deputies aboard Marine 9 were informed of a drowning that had just occurred on the small beach just north of the historic lodge. As the boat arrived two minutes later, deputies observed Erin Dohlman of Des Moines, Iowa, administering CPR to a male adult laying on the beach.

Cal-Tahoe JPA moves towards new 10-year contract with County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For almost 18 years the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CTESOA) has been providing ambulance service to the portions of El Dorado County at Lake Tahoe and parts of northwestern Alpine County through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston hanging up his hat

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire Chief Jeff Meston is retiring from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) on February 28, five years and five months after he came out of retirement to head up the department.

On Friday, February 1, Meston submitted his resignation to the City.

"When I was hired by CM (City Manager) Kerry I promised to spend between 3-5 years with the City Fire Department and bring them as far as I could to be a “world class” fire department," Meston said in his resignation letter.

He feels he's accomplished what he set out to do.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue honors many at annual awards ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "This is a good day for the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department," said Chief Jeff Meston as he began the annual awards ceremony, celebrating the men and women of SLTFR.

To begin the afternoon, Chief Meston officially welcomed Battalion Chief Jay Manning to the department. Manning came on board at the end of November from Visalia, California where he worked for 18.5 years for the fire department. His wife Stephanie pinned his uniform as son Jacob and daughter Harley looked on. The family is wrapping up their move to the Sierra.

Douglas County community resources to deal with grief, anxiety and feelings of being unsafe

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - After the recent tragic accidents and murders in Douglas County, many people may be feeling grief and anxiety as well as feelings of being unsafe. County officials want residents to know they aren't alone and there are several support groups in the community that offer help, reassurance and comfort during this difficult time.

Below is a list of some organizations available to help:

Douglas County Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST)

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after allegedly attempting to carjack firefighter's vehicle

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 27-year-old South Lake Tahoe man picked the wrong vehicle to try and carjack and is now behind bars for his actions, facing several charges including attempted kidnapping.

57th annual Lake Valley Firefighter's Ball

Event Date: 
March 22, 2019 - 5:30pm

The 57th annual Firefighters Ball fundraiser hosted by the Lake Valley Firefighter Foundation will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe.

This year's event includes a three-course meal, dancing, a silent auction and live auction. Auctions items include a 2019-2020 ski pass and vacation packages.

To get tickets and for more information, contact the foundation at 530.577.3737 or via their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/lakevalleyfoundation/

Dave Huber retires after 35 years of serving with Lake Valley Fire

Lake Valley Fire Protection District Director Dave Huber has retired after serving seven years as a volunteer firefighter and 28 years on their Board of Directors.

During his term as a director, Huber helped start the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority ambulance program where he also served as a board member.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue crew headed to growing Camp Fire in Butte County

Four South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel are headed to the growing Camp Fire in Butte County. They are filling an immediate request for help and Engine 3 from south Lake Tahoe will be part of a Strike Team.

Captain Tyler Jack, Engineer Steven Monday, Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Blasser and Firefighter James Berthinier will be on the team.

Tahoe Douglas Fire promotes Nathan Johnson to captain

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) has announced the promotion of Engineer Nathan Johnson to the position of captain.

Open house and Halloween costume contest at South Lake Tahoe Fire Stations

Event Date: 
October 13, 2018 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - October 7-13, 2018 is National Fire Prevention Week, and the two local fire stations will be celebrating with each having an open house along with a Firefighter Halloween Costume Contest for K-3 graders on Saturday, October 13.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., take a tour of the stations, learn how to escape a fire in your home, learn about the water-safety vest loaner program and get information and giveaways.

Kids who come in a public safety/firefighter costume will be entered to win a future breakfast with the crew!

911 ceremony in South Lake Tahoe: Let freedom ring in all we do

September 11, 2001 - It's been 17 years since America experienced a tragedy that will never be forgotten. 2,983 people, ages 3-to-79, died that day in New York, Virginia and Philadelphia. In 17 years, time has not lessened or dissolved the sense of loss that occurred that day.

To honor 9-11 in South Lake Tahoe, the American Legion held their annual ceremony Tuesday with first responders, veterans and the community present to remember a day that not only was a time of death and destruction, but also a day of courage, heroism and love.

US 395 and SR 108 open near Boot Fire; Forest closed to public

Firefighers now have a containment line around three percent of the Boot Fire as 6,873 acres have burned. Fire activity moderated yesterday with little fire growth occurring. More than 570 firefighters and numerous helicopters are making headway.

Ferguson Fire 100% contained; firefighters gaining control on most others

There are still several fires burning in California but firefighters have gained the upper hand on many of them.

Ferguson Fire: The Ferguson Fire is now at 96,901 acres with 100 percent containment and 881 personnel currently engaged on the fire. During the most critical time in the fire, over 3,000 people were assigned to the incident from all over the world. There have been 2 fatalities and 19 injuries. 10 structures have been destroyed.

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