IN MID-SEPTEMBER , Yucca Valley’s Elks Lodge hosted
its annual first responder appreciation dinner and awards ban-
quet. Sheriff John McMahon was the key note speaker, while
Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Yucca Valley Mayor Lombardo and U.S.
Congressman Paul Cook were in attendance.
Division 4 Labor Representative Aaron Comstock was invited to sit
at their table, where they discussed Supervisor Rowe’s and Mayor
Lombardo’s experience at the recent Fire Ops 101 event hosted
by Local 935 and County Fire. Said Rowe, “It was truly humbling
to see things up close and to participate in what San Bernardino
County firefighters do on a daily basis.” She went on to explain
that actually putting on the gear and going into a live fire gave her
a much better perspective and understanding of what it takes to
be a firefighter. She explained as soon as she was done she called
her father—a retired firefighter—and said, “Dad, I understand now
that it’s not like the movies where you can see everything inside
the building.” In all it was a humbling and great experience.
The Firefighter of The Year award went to Captain Danny Stamps.
Ambulance Operator/EMT Kay McDaniels was recognized as EMT
of the year. Congrats to both!
Firefighter/Paramedic Rick Boucher is one of our most senior members.
He is assigned to Station 32 in the city of Needles.
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DIVISION news
FALL 2019 • FIREWIRE 29