SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Monday evening was the annual awards ceremony of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR), a celebration of the 40 firefighters and staff that make up the department that is tasked with protecting the City of South Lake Tahoe, its residents, homes, and businesses.
SLTFR Chief Jim Drennan celebrated the department’s successes, promotions, weddings, births, and special honorees. Together they answered 3008 calls for service in 2024, filled 14 strike teams to leave the Lake Tahoe Basin, and responded to 45 fires where the total loss was $914,000.
Swearing in and badge pinning (promotions)
Division Chief Jay Manning, Battalion Chief Tyler Jack, Captain Mike Mileski, Captain, Haven Wilvers, Engineer Marty Rider, and Engineer Jonathan Szendrey
Years of service
Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen (25 years), Executive Assistant/PIO Sallie Ross (20 years), Engineer Lance Hubbard (5 years), Firefighter Blake Sturdivan (5 years), Firefighter Matt Davis (5 years)
Awards
Dispatcher of the Year – Jennifer Canin
Firefighter of the Year – Captain Tom Kerley
Fire Chief’s Meritorious Award – Engineer Lance Hubbard
Life moments
Marriage of Wade and Dani Norberg, and official union of Karl and Amanda Koeppen
New hire in 2024 – Firefighter/Paramedic Wade Norberg
