Tahoe Douglas Fire celebrates retiring Fire Marshal Eric Guevin

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - For years it was Tahoe Douglas Fire Division Chief/Fire Marshal Eric Guevin who inspected the fireworks barges sitting offshore on Lake Tahoe. This year was different though, and it wasn't Guevin checking out the safety of operation as he is newly retired.

His service to the community was recently celebrated at the fire house on Elk Point Road, one that started off with a 911 Emergency Services dispatch announcement over the airwaves announcing Guevin's retirement.

Many former fire chiefs from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) were in attendance, along with the current chief, firefighters and staff, and area agency representatives.

Guevin had a goal of working for TDFPD many years before he was able have their badge pinned on his uniform. He first started with REMSA in Reno, leaving to attend the fire academy to advance his career. Once graduated he came to Lake Tahoe with paperwork in hand, ready to apply.

"I wanted to be a firefighter," said Guevin. As he dropped off his paperwork he told them he'd be working for the district.

That goal didn't come immediately and he first "cut his teeth" at the Virginia City fire department. An opportunity came up at TDFPD and Guevin was hired as a fire inspector under Chief Guy LeFever.

He then went back to further his education and received his AA and BS, and started working up the fire ladder at TDFPD, ending as division chief and fire marshal.

There were several speakers at his retirement party, all sharing what Eric's legacy at the department meant to them.

Some of that legacy includes a new fire boat and better fire flow at the lakeshore under Chief Baker, saving the fireworks show at Lake Tahoe after a lawsuit threatened their end, and fire codes for vacation home rentals that are being used in other jurisdictions. He was also the winner of the Golden Sparky award in 2020.

The Golden Sparky is the State of Nevada’s highest award for outstanding achievement in fire prevention and fire safety education for fire service personnel. Eric served as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire education network representative for the State of Nevada. In this capacity, Eric became a vital liaison between the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada, the Fire Safety Educators of Nevada, and NFPA.

Carol Chaplin, CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority, read a proclamation from both them and the fireworks company for his work in creating a safer show.

Guevin said there used to be a time when local casinos didn't appreciate it when a fire marshal came on property. He said one could hear radio traffic telling staff to keep him at bay as they rushed to check concerning things that he might find.

While Guevin took his job seriously, he jovial character made him easy to work with.

"He looked for a way to make people happy," said TDFPD Fire Inspector Kris Rowlett. "He is the life of the party and very personable."

"There is no one better," said Assistant Chief Bryce Cranch of Eric.

Eric's wife Shelly, and sons Jeremy and Matthew were there to celebrate their loved one who will now have more time at home. He won't be far from community service though as he returns as president of Lake Tahoe Kiwanis starting in October.