Angela Durrell-Special to the Sun

Firefighters are a unique and special order of heroes and heroines. Not everyone has the chops to be one of them-quite frankly, most of us don't. It takes a person of incomparable character to give up what is often a chunk of his or her personal time to go off and help people they've never met, and may never meet at all-to cross entire counties, states-even countries-to lend a hand to fellow brethren in need of help. They do their jobs with unswerving dedication and commitment, working odd hours at the expense of family time, often without pay. Most would say it's a thankless job in many ways, but your hometown firefighter would simply shrug his or her shoulders and tell you they don't do it to be thanked. They do it because they want to.

The Exchange Club of Kern Valley decided that such thanks was well overdue, and for the first time, honored three firefighters on Oct. 29 with “Firefighter Appreciation Night” in Lake Isabella. Three men from the valley's three agencies were recognized for their exceptional services, leadership skills, and dedication by the Exchange Club as well as Federal, State, and local dignitaries at a special dinner attended by fellow firefighters, rescue and ambulance professionals, community members, and family members.

At left, Andy Stanley, field representative for Congressman Kevin McCarthy, congratulates BLM’s Leif Matheisen, KCFD’s Justin Sundberg, and USFS’ George Bowen on being honored at the Kern Valley Exchange Club’s Firefighters of the Year awards dinner at Paradise Cove Monday night.

Each honoree was chosen in a vote by their peers, making it an even more poignant accolade-Justin Sundberg of the Kern County Fire Department, George Bowen of the United States Forest Service, and Leif Matheisen of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

“There are so many firefighters from the Kern Valley,” explains Fred Roach of the Exchange Club, “that selecting one would be very difficult.” So the agencies were asked to nominate a member of their own to honor at the event.

It's of special significance that the three agencies were represented at the ceremony, says Margie Clack of the U.S. Forest Service. “We work very closely together. The cooperation is just seamless.”

Often they are seen combining resources and equipment in diverse and challenging rescue and fire operations, doing so without even having to be asked. “It's a collaborative effort,” she says proudly.

There are over 200 firefighters serving in Kern Valley alone, many of whom were unable to be at the award ceremony because of calls to duty-helping to quell the Southern California wildfires that have decimated more than 2000 homes, killed fourteen people, and cut a black swath of over 809 square miles. It's an example of the selfless character of firefighters-gearing up at a moment's notice to go where they're needed rather than clocking out at the end of their shift.

To illustrate some of what a firefighter endures on a call, Roach called up hapless victim Ron Smith in a hilarious, if informative demonstration. Having had his name drawn out of a raffle basket, Smith was told he had won “the prize”, and was subsequently told to don the various pieces of standard clothing and equipment necessary when out on emergency. Fire pants, boots, shovel, a fire shirt-

“Tuck that in,” remonstrated Roach.

--Goggles, regulation hat with heat guard, and gloves were loaded on Smith to shouts of laughter. Finally, in the piece de resistance, and with half-serious groans from Smith, a utility belt was holstered to his waist and a fully rolled fire hose firmly attached to his back.

“He's gonna be at the chiropractor tomorrow morning,” chuckled one celebrant.

Most of us would be. The weight of the clothing and equipment were apparent, and obviously much more than the average person would wear on a normal day. To a firefighter, however, that is normal. It takes an incredible amount of endurance and physical fitness to wear the gear, let alone wear it while undertaking a diverse array of emergency situations.

“Not only do these men and women fight fires,” Roach points out, “There's a lot of other thing's they do that I'm not sure people are aware of.”

For instance? Our firefighters were there to literally pick up the pieces when the shuttle Columbia crashed in 2003, painstakingly gathering the shattered metal and glass for NASA's forensic team to analyze. They hustled across the country in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the wildfires in Florida, and most agonizing of all, responded to the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon. And of course, they volunteered to help with the fires in Los Angeles County, which are still burning.

Sundberg, Bowen, and Matheisen are regarded by their peers as exemplars of such bravery and steadfast loyalty to their fellow man. Amidst loud, standing-ovation applause, each was called by their commanding officers to receive awards from the Exchange Club. Also in attendance were representatives from Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Senator Roy Ashburn, Assemblywoman Jean Fuller, and the County Board of Supervisors. Each of these dignitaries presented official certificates of recognition and appreciation to the firefighters, thanking them for their service.

Introducing Justin Sundberg, Phil Castle described his early interest in a career of service. noting that Sundberg was named Firefighter of the Year by the American Legion in 2005. “His work ethic, devotion to service, and commitment to community is exactly what we look for in the Kern Valley Fire Department,” Castle stated.

Rick Larsen described nominee George Bowen in no less glowing terms. “He has our highest respect,” Larsen said in his introduction. “He's known as an employee to get the job done, and get it done safely.”

Leif Mathiesen was chosen “Primarily for his impact on operations and influencing the people around him,” revealed Tim Smith. “People look to him and know they'll get the quality of teaching he provides.”

Each of the men have families, and like their colleagues, are fiercely as dedicated to their spouses and children as they are to their jobs. To unanimous agreement, Roach pointed out that, without the encouragement, sacrifice, and support of spouses and significant others, families, and friends, a firefighter's lot would be almost unbearable.

“I don't think they get enough credit,” Roach said, for giving up time with their husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers for the benefit of others. They never complain, though, and their own brand of commitment and loyalty deserved to be recognized. This was greeted with enthusiastic and heartfelt applause.

The honorees, modest in their gratitude, gave brief and humble thanks to the assembly.

“I didn't have a prepared speech,” smiled Sundburg as he held his award. “All I can say is, I'll always remember this, and thank you.”

“It's probably the biggest honor to be nominated by your peers,” Matheisen observed. He looked towards the back of the room and specially thanked his wife for supporting him.

“All I can tell you is that it's an honor,” echoed Bowen. “Thank you.”

Thank you, gentlemen.