Longtime Tahoe Douglas Fire Battalion Chief retiring

For 37 years, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) Battalion Chief Rich Nalder has served the community, and now, he's retiring.

Nalder’s service to the Lake Tahoe community began in 1980 and he soon became instrumental in the design and implementation of TDFPD Special Service programs such as rope rescue, confined space and water rescue.

Over the years he has built a reputation for his knowledge of high rise response, technical rescue, and wildland firefighting, and he has long been the “go to guy” for historical fire district knowledge and the intimate details of our casino core structures.

Nalder has taught numerous fire academies displaying his commitment and passion for training the next generation of firefighters.

“Those that know me know that my heart lies in training the troops," Nalder wrote in 2011. "I feel that I can be very effective in the coming management team preparing the next generation to take the reins of the great organization. With my time in service in the department and my historical knowledge of both the Fire
District and the target hazards in the community, I can help to transition the next group of leaders into command positions.”

Fire Chief Scott Baker acknowledged, “Rich has certainly lived up to that promise and I appreciate his willingness to extend his career to support my transition into the Fire Chief position.”

In the past five fire seasons, Nalder has spent almost a 100 days out on strike team and division supervisor assignments herding engine companies from all over the western states and even a team of pack mules, while protecting life and property in the region.

“One thing that I admire about Rich is that he has remained dedicated and committed to the fire service his entire career. He loves what he does, and he’s as enthusiastic about being a firefighter today as he was his first day on the job,” notese Jim Antti, TDFPD Assistant Chief.

A lifelong resident of Minden/Gardnerville, Rich served as a volunteer for many years with the Douglas County Engine Company and East Fork Fire totaling over 40 years with the fire service. His greatest source of pride is his three talented daughters; Kristy, Katie and Kelsey and he is looking forward to spending more time with them and his wife Susan.

There will be a reception for Chief Nalder on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 4pm in the ST23cClassroom at 193 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove, Nev.