935 LEADERSHIP
CAPTAIN
KEN HALSETH
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Brothers and Sisters ,
Currently assigned to Station 221 in San Bernardino , Captain Ken Halseth has been with County Fire since 1994 , spending the bulk of his early career in his hometown of Fontana . Promoted to engineer in 2001 and then to captain in 2006 , he has made his way around the county , serving assignments in Lake Arrowhead , Hesperia , Victorville and Bloomington . An executive board member since 2013 , he has served as co-chair of the Telestaff committee , among other duties . Elected one of two new executive VPs last year , his areas of responsibility include Divisions 1 and 6 , and he is now a co-chair on Operations / Leadership . A golfer , fisher and automobile enthusiast , he is also a longtime member of the softball team ; he and wife Amanda reside and raise son Nathan in Rancho Cucamonga .
Happy New Year ! As I reflect on 2016 , so many things go through my mind . I am reminded of the great tragedy some of our brothers and sisters have endured , and of the personal struggles some of them still face ; I am reminded of the historic change to our labor organization and to our fire department ; I am reminded of the large , complex incidents to which we respond ; finally , considering all the new-hires and promotions , I am reminded of the continued cycle of change and renewal that keeps us going .
The one constant factor is the direct impact each of you can make on this organization . Witnessing this daily , I am thoroughly proud to be a part of such and amazing group of men and women .
The support that our membership has shown to our brothers and sisters in need is overwhelming . Unbelievable , actually . We have proven time and time again that we are , indeed , a family . As I write , there are several members dealing with a recent loss , or caring for an injured or sick loved one . To those brothers and sisters , know that we are all here for you .
In July , we faced the monumental task of integrating the personnel from 29 Palms and San Bernardino Fire Departments , the latter an agency with over 130 proud years of history and service . Hard work and sacrifice from both sides proved to be the formula for success , from our transition team , to the members who were asked to move stations / divisions , to the crews who welcomed and mentored new folks at each affected firehouse . The success of this transition was only possible through the dedication of our membership . As we continue to grow , it is imperative that we stay dedicated to this process . Also , thank you for seeing the importance of bringing the FSA group into our local – please take some time to welcome those members as well when you see them .
Every year we face numerous large incidents , and of course 2016 was particularly busy , with wildland incidents including the Pilot , Blue Cut , Kendall , Hill and Pirate fires , several large pallet yard fires , numerous structure fires , rescues and critical medical calls . We handled these incidents with a dedication and professionalism that is second to none . Again , it is all of you who make our local and fire department a success .
Congratulations to all of our members who have promoted this past year ! Your hard work and commitment have paid off . I also welcome the large group of new firefighters just finishing their probation , and to those of you still working through that rookie-year challenge : keep working hard , it ’ s almost over . To those of you organizing and instructing at our workshops , classes , training , etc ., thank you for your selfless dedication to assuring our members are prepared .
2017 promises to bring many more challenges to our membership . Unfortunately , if the past is any indication , we will likely be called upon to assist a member in need , we will face life-saving decisions and we may have to sacrifice personal comfort for the good of the local .
Let ’ s treat one another with respect and decency . In the end , it is up to us whether we succeed or fail . Through professionalism and dedication to those we serve , I am 100 percent confident that we will persevere .
I thank you for your trust ; please know that I am both honored and humbled to be your representative , and that I carry that humility with trusting me to represent you .
4 FIREWIRE • Winter 2017