fire academy
Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/25/2020 - 12:18am
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
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/03/2020 - 4:20pm
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
LTCC Fire Academy and Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue graduate new firefighters
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/17/2020 - 1:38pm
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
New fire chief hired for the City of South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/23/2019 - 3:01pm
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.
Mt. Tallac High thanks Bread & Broth 4 Kids and the community
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/05/2019 - 5:20pm
Mt. Tallac High School is grateful and honored to be part of such a supportive community.
Much appreciation is extended to all who attended the Mt. Tallac High School annual Community Meet and Greet. Thank you to the many business owners and managers from All Seasons Plumbing & Heating, Harrah’s and Harveys, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, Lake Tahoe Fire Academy, SOS Outreach, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Azul Latin Kitchen, Base Camp Pizza Co., and the Juvenile Service Council. Thank you also to the LTUSD Board Members and community members who attended.
Annual Firefest returns to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 4:14pm
Event Date:
September 21, 2019 - 10:00am
Fire Fest is returning to the South Shore on Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the back of Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.
Helicopters will be the stars this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines! Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.
Angora Fire, Fire Academy and Leona Allen featured in Lake Tahoe tree-planting campaign
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 9:04am
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.
Holiday Mall Crawl in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/13/2018 - 12:27am
Event Date:
December 14, 2018 - 3:00pm
Elevate Wellness is hosting the 2nd annual Holiday Mall Crawl will take place at The Crossing in South Lake Tahoe on Friday, December 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is a festive and family fun event that also serves as a fundraiser for the Lake Tahoe Fire Academy scholarship fund.
Firefest returns to South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/15/2018 - 5:23pm
Event Date:
September 29, 2018 - 10:00am
Fire Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about fire safety and conservation.
Helicopters will star again this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines. Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.
South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds pinning and promotion ceremony
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/16/2018 - 7:08pm
South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue welcomed four new firefighter paramedics to their family during a pinning ceremony at the airport Thursday. They also celebrated the promotion of Kevin Van Kirk to Engineer and honored retired Batalion Chief Tim Spencer.
"Fire service is really about family," said Chief Jeff Meston and he opened the ceremony. "This is a special day for South Lake Tahoe."
He explained how tough it is to get a new firefighter on board. There are tests, boards and interviews.
Eighteen graduate during 12th annual Lake Tahoe Fire Academy ceremony
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 7:53pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "This is a really special group," Brad Deeds, Dean of Workforce Development and Instruction at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC), told those attending Saturday's graduation of the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy (LTBFA) class of 2018.
For the past ten months, the 18 graduating men and women have been put through the tough physical, emotional, operational and educational requirements of becoming a firefighter.
Each speaker echoed Deeds' sentiments.
The woman behind South Lake Tahoe police composite drawings
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 11:19pm
Connecting with victims and witnesses after a crime is not just the job of law enforcement, its also the job of composite sketch artists.
Imagine talking to a child who just witnessed a horrific crime, a woman who has just been raped, or a man who beaten up as another man murdered, and needing them to remember the face of the perpetrator.
Kudos: Rotary thanks community for support of Divorce Southern Style
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 6:45pm
To our supportive community,
A huge thank you to all those that came out and supported South Lake Tahoe Rotary’s recent fundraiser at Lake Tahoe Golf Course. Kevin Sommerfeld, Kelly Higgins and the whole support crew at the golf course were great hosts at their newly renovated clubhouse.
The cast of “Divorce Southern Style” put on 6 great performances and dedicated many hours to this very funny play. The show and set were a success because of their help in creating and attaining set props and pieces.
SLTFR Captain Leslie Asbury honored
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/03/2018 - 9:43am
Captain Leslie Asbury of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was honored during Tuesday's City Council meeting after graduating from the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy Managing Officer Program. It was a two-year commitment for Asbury.
"We are very fortunate to have a committed and dedicated fire officer within our organization," said SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston. "We are honored to work with her."
Tahoe Douglas Fire promotes Bryce Cranch to battalion chief
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/06/2018 - 9:15pm
Captain Bryce Cranch has been promoted to the position of Battalion Chief, filling the vacancy left by retiring chief Rich Nalder.
South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/30/2018 - 12:11am
An overflowing crowd of family, friends and community members filled the City Council chambers Monday as South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue held their 5th annual awards ceremony.
The staff was honored for their service doing a job that protects the lives, homes and environment of the South Lake Tahoe community and its visitors.
"Your recognition is well deserved, and well earned," said Mayor Wendy David.
SLTFR Fire Chief Jeff Meston led the ceremony which honored the following:
Firefighter/Medic of the Year: Dustin Winter
Dispatcher of the Year: Jillian Gard
Fog Nozzle Beer release to raise funds for Lake Tahoe Fire Academy
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/27/2017 - 10:38pm
Event Date:
January 5, 2018 - 6:00pm
Firefighters and the release of the brand new Fog-Nozzle IPA will be both celebrated at South Lake Brewing Company during a family friendly event on Friday, January 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Local Freshies and the popular brewing business will host the release party which will serve as a fundraiser for the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy.
The night starts out with music from former fireman Kevin Marcy. Feel like you can firefight better than the pros? This will be your chance to compete against the pros in a water bucket brigade.
There will also be a raffle.
SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston wins award
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/15/2017 - 6:38pm
Chief Jeff Meston of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is the recipient of the Ed Bent Training Excellence Award in recognition of being the Outstanding Fire Instructor of the Year at the California Training Officers Symposium held this week in Fresno, California.
The award was created many years ago on behalf of Ed Bent for his contribution as a founding father of statewide training and curriculum for the California Fire Service.
Fire Fest returns to the South Shore
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/20/2017 - 2:15pm
Event Date:
September 30, 2017 - 10:00am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Helicopters, fire trucks, K-9s and demonstrations are just a few of the activities planned for 23rd annual Fire Fest on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.
Admission is free and the event is a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.
Interim Director named for Tahoe Youth & Family Services
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/12/2017 - 5:04pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Youth and Family Services announced today that Christopher Croft has officially resigned his position as Executive Director effective November 15, 2017. He has served the communities of South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County and Alpine County in this position since June 10, 2014.
Celebration of life at Sierra-at-Tahoe for Zach McAllister
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/25/2016 - 10:34pm
South Lake Tahoe native Zach McAllister passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2016. His bright smile and beautiful soul will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His passing has left a huge hole in each of our hearts.
Trick-or-Treat events for the family in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/27/2016 - 8:02am
Event Date:
October 31, 2016 - 4:00pm
The 14th Annual Halloween Treat Street will be held at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) on Halloween from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the school's physical education building. This is a safe, warm (and dry) indoor event hosted by radio station KRLT 93.9FM/KOWL 1490AM.
Reminder: Annual Firefest venue and activities have changed!
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/19/2016 - 12:06pm
Due to a venue conflict, the 2016 FireFest will be held at Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public.
Fundraiser for seriously injured South Lake Tahoe man
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/14/2016 - 9:28pm
Event Date:
September 24, 2016 - 2:00pm
Tim Anderson, a South Lake Tahoe flooring contractor, was run over by a car near his home on August 24. He was air-lifted to a trauma center where he remains in critical condition with a tracheotomy, internal injuries, a broken pelvis, broken ribs, scapulas, and other serious injuries. He is breathing on a ventilator and cannot yet talk.
Tim's three sons, Christian, Corey (& fiancé April) and Cameron, and his best friends, Andy, Jody and Joe have been by his side, as well as the Reilly family, Mickey, Mark, and his grandchildren.
LTCC hires new Dean of Workforce Development and Instruction
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/04/2016 - 9:12pm
Brad Deeds has been hired as the new Dean of Workforce Development and Instruction at Lake Tahoe Community College where he will manage the college’s various Career and Technical Education programs. Deeds will be over the Fire Academy, Culinary Arts, Commercial Music, Allied Health, the new Adult Education program, and other vocationally-focused departments on campus. He will also oversee workforce development and select instructional programs at LTCC.
The LTCC Board of Trustees gave approval for the hiring at their meeting on Tuesday night.
No change in service expected as ambulance services change on South Shore
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 9:14am
Most people won't even notice as ambulance services change on the South Shore July 1. The final touches to the new Cal Tahoe JPA service agreements were made Wednesday in preparation for a change from the City of South Lake Tahoe operating the ambulances that serve the city, to the function being part of the JPA at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Firestorm surrounding ambulance service in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/25/2016 - 5:21pm
In the mix you have El Dorado County, the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Valley Fire Protection and the Cal Tahoe JPA. More importantly, and most likely the reason for the passionate responses from all involved, the mix also contains the safety of the public.
On March 15, 2016, the City of South Lake Tahoe sent a letter to the JPA, stating their intent to pull out of the agency that was created in 2001 to supply ambulance service to the City and the County and a portion of Alpine County.
Gregory “Scott” Baker named Tahoe Douglas Fire's new Assistant Fire Chief
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/25/2016 - 2:18pm
Gregory "Scott" Baker has joined the Tahoe Douglas Fire District as their new Assistant Fire Chief, replacing Mark A. Novak who left the department a year ago to become the new Fire Chief in Vail, Colorado.
Baker, who brings with him over 20-years of service, comes to the fire district from the Reno Fire Department where his most recent position was that of Division Chief of Fleet and Facilities.
LTCC Fire Academy shaving heads at St. Baldrick's; Seeking donations
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/13/2016 - 9:04pm
Students in Class 10 of the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy are shaving their heads to raise money to find cures for childhood cancers during the annual St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser on March 5 at Heavenly Mountain Resort, and they are seeking the community's support.
St. Baldrick's is a volunteer-powered charity that shows solidarity with young cancer patients through annual head-shaving events around the world that raise awareness and money for cancer research.
Mountain Resort Television daily segment
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/13/2016 - 8:30pmMountain Resort Television reporter Ashley Lindner interviews students from the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy to learn about the St. Baldrick's, "Brave the Shave" fundraiser and then meets up with Lauren Thomaselli, the Recreation Manager for the City of South Lake Tahoe for your weekly, City in 60.
Scholarship fund created in honor of South Lake Tahoe's Mitch Underhill
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/18/2016 - 12:59pm
It's been almost two-and-a-half years since South Lake Tahoe native Mitch Underhill died unexpectedly at the age of 34. The firefighter/paramedic with Lake Valley Fire Protection District was passionate not only about his family and career, but for the mountains and community he left behind.
In his memory, the Mitch Underhill Mountain Fund has been created at Lake Tahoe Community College.
"He was so loved in the community," said his widow Sarah. "He was an inspiration."
Next generation of firefighters training in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/27/2015 - 12:00am
Some have jobs. Some have families. Some are recent high school graduates. Some are retired military. Some are college graduates. They are all future firefighters.
One month into the new school year, 33 men and women are part of the tenth class of firefighters being trained at the Lake Tahoe Community College's program, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy. This year's class started with 36 students, but some find out early on how physically demanding the program is and they find it isn't for them.
South Lake Tahoe man newest member of Lake Valley Fire Department
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/23/2015 - 12:58pm
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District announced the swearing in of new Apprentice
Firefighter-Paramedic, Dylan Yuzbick, was given the oath of office by Board President Dave Huber and was welcomed to the District during their October 8 board meeting.
8th Annual Conservation Landscape Tour
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 08/13/2015 - 9:12am
Event Date:
August 19, 2015 - 4:30pm The public will have a chance to learn about sustainable landscaping in Lake Tahoe at the 8th Annual Conservation Landscape Tour on August 19. The tour will begin at the Lake Tahoe Community College Demonstration Garden and continue down Pioneer Trail towards Meyers Station.
Get inspired to create a mountain oasis at Landscape Tour
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/31/2015 - 10:00pm
Get inspired to transform your home’s landscape into a mountain oasis at the 8th Annual Conservation Landscape Tour on Wednesday, August 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is discovering the many approaches to Tahoe Friendly Landscaping.
Mandatory meeting for Fall Fire Academy applicants at LTCC
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/21/2015 - 11:41pm
Event Date:
August 5, 2015 - 6:00pm
Students who want to apply for admission to the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy at Lake Tahoe Community College for Fall 2015 must attend a mandatory orientation meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Board/Aspen Room on campus.
Reservations are not required for this meeting, and anyone interested in the program is welcome to attend. Based on student demand, there may be a random lottery for available seats in the Fire Academy. Students will not be eligible for the lottery unless they attend this orientation meeting.
New Principal named at South Tahoe Middle School
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 9:33pm
When current South Tahoe Middle School Principal Beth Delacour retires in June she is leaving the school in the capable hands of John Simons. Simons (pronounced sim-mons) was introduced at Tuesday evening's Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board meeting.
Simons is relocating to South Lake Tahoe from Oakdale, CA where he has been principal at the community's middle school for the past seven years. Prior to that he served as the school's vice-principal for three years.
LTCC trying to add four year Public Safety Administration degree
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/02/2014 - 11:13pm
A four year degree program could be in Lake Tahoe Community College's near future. They are waiting to hear from the California Community College's Chancellor's office to see if they are one of the 15 community colleges in the state who will be allowed the opportunity to offer one four-year degree.
LTCC's Baccalaureate Degree Steering Committee submitted a proposal to the Chancellor's office and should hear on January 21, 2015 if they are going to be offering a four-year degree in Public Safety Administration.
Letter: Measure F will provide new pathways
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/30/2014 - 10:35pm
I’ve lived in South Lake Tahoe for 22 years, and I’m the Dean of Career & Technical Education and Instruction at Lake Tahoe Community College. I'd like to share a few stories about students I’ve known through my work at LTCC, and how Measure F will provide new pathways to create many more great stories like these – stories about young people whose lives were changed because of the programs and opportunities available through our local community college.
Op/Ed: Voting For LTCC’s Measure F Makes Tahoe Safer
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/13/2014 - 10:02pm
Wait, what? Safer? Yes! As a 20-plus-year South Lake Tahoe resident and a recently retired FBI agent, I have experienced Lake Tahoe Community College as a student, a guest speaker, and as an occasional criminal justice instructor. Over the years, these connections have proven to me just how essential LTCC is in giving our local youth a pathway towards a productive future.
Learn about Measure F at Lake Tahoe Community College information session
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/15/2014 - 11:21pm
Event Date:
September 18, 2014 - 5:30pm
Learn about Measure F which will be on the November ballot. The bond will bring in millions of dollars to Lake Tahoe Community College to create a new fire academy, upgrades of technology and many other necessary changes.
The meeting will be held in the Aspen Room/Board Room of LTCC on Thursday, September 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
College officials will be hand to answer your questions, discuss how bond money will be used, review the ballot question, and highlight oversight and accountability measures.
City gives support to Lake Tahoe Community College's Measure F
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/02/2014 - 10:11pm
Lake Tahoe Community College gained the support of the South Lake Tahoe City Council today in their pursuit of $55,000,000 in bond funds through Measure F. The Council voted unanimously to adopt the support resolution.
Dr. Kindred Murillo, Superintendent/President of the Lake Tahoe Community College District, was on hand at Tuesday's City Council meeting to provide an explanation of what the bond would mean to the South Shore community and answer any questions the five council members had.
Fire Chief Ben Sharit named LTCC Distinguished Alumni
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/21/2014 - 10:36am
Lake Tahoe Community College has selected Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Chief Ben Sharit as its Distinguished Alumni Award winner for 2014.
Lake Tahoe Has Select Force of Wildland Firefighters
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/09/2014 - 6:55pm
Lake Tahoe is now home to the Tallac Hotshots, a select force of 20 wildland firefighters from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).
The group completed a demanding and extensive certification process on June 19, making them the first Interagency Hotshot Crew from Lake Tahoe.
Formerly the Tallac Hand Crew, the Tallac Hotshots join an exclusive group of roughly 2,000 firefighters across the country.
LTCC Mourns Unexpected Death of Tahoe Firefighter, Former Instructor
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 2:35pm
Lake Tahoe Community College joins the Lake Valley Fire Protection District in mourning the unexpected loss of firefighter paramedic Brandon “Mitch” Underhill. The 34-year-old, known as Mitch, died Sunday, September 29th.
Underhill has been an instructor at LTCC as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy since 2009. He joined the Lake Valley Fire District in 2005, and served the community for just over 8 years in that capacity. He is survived by his wife, two young children, his parents, and his brother and sister.
LTCC Summer Classes Emphasize Fun New Ways to Learn
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 3:13pmLake Tahoe Community College’s summer lineup includes many brand-new classes that educate and enlighten while entertaining learners. Students can earn college credits while studying a variety of subjects, from the roots of rock n’ roll to the fundamentals of food and wine pairings. Classes begin July 1, and registering early guarantees students a spot.
Here is a sampling of new summer classes LTCC is offering:
Tahoe Project interview with Fire Academy Founder Leona Allen
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 09/02/2012 - 2:31pm
The latest Tahoe Project interview is with Leona Allen, a lifelong Tahoe resident, a Lake Valley Fire Protection District firefighter and a founder of the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy. Hosted by Michelle Sweeney, Allen shares insight into wildfire preparedness, her family's experience of loss in the Angora fire and the success of the Fire Academy where she is among the program faculty at Lake Tahoe Community College.
Fire Academy conducts drill
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/02/2012 - 9:47amA Lake Tahoe Fire Academy cadet cuts into a car during a drill at Emerald Bay Towing in South Lake Tahoe Monday. More than 40 cadets participated and instructors from Lake Valley Fire Protection...
City announces three new fire department shift commanders
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 11/16/2011 - 11:16pm
By Nancy Kerry
The City of South Lake Tahoe is pleased to announce a promotional ceremony for three new Fire Department Shift Commanders will be held on Monday, November 21, 2011. The ceremony will take place at the City’s Administration Offices (South Lake Tahoe Airport) at 2:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Being promoted to Shift Commander are Jim Drennan, Rob Hembree and Dan Sullivan. In announcing the appointments, City Manager Tony O’Rourke said, “The three Commanders will have significant responsibilities and have demonstrated the capacity to carry them out. We are pleased to announce their promotions.”
