Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

Ken Stevens, Eric Hagemeier, and Brian Puckett joined the ranks of Kern Valley firefighters named "Firefighter of the Year" as the Exchange Club of Kern Valley held their annual firefighter appreciation dinner at Paradise Cove Nov. 10.

"What I want to promote tonight is fire prevention," said emcee Fred Roach, "a lot of times we take this for granted." Over 100 valley residents were on hand to honor firefighters from the Kern County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

L to R, Eric Hagemeier, U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Rich Larson, Brian Puckett, Kern Valley Exchange Club President Joe Ciriello, U.S. BLM Field Office Manger Tim Smith, Ken Stevens, and Kern County Fire Department Chief Nick Dunn.

Eric Hagemeier of the U.S. Forest Service was first to receive the honor, and was joined by U.S.F.S. District Ranger Rick Larson . "We are very fortunate to have a leader such as you among the ranks of Forest Service personnel," said Larson. Hagemeier began his career in fire in 1997 and was promoted to captain in 2006. "The Marine Corps made me what I am today. I learned to do the right thing, even when nobody's looking. That's the example I set for my crew," said Hagemeier.

Ken Stevens of the Kern County Fire Department was next to receive the honor, and was joined by Kern County Fire Department Chief Nick Dunn. "This is the perfect opportunity to honor someone who deserves to honored. You never have to worry about Kenny Stevens. He's always professional, always positive," said Dunn. It was evident that Stevens was truly honored to receive the award. "It's nice to know people appreciate what we do, because we have the best job in the world," said Stevens, "We love to go to work. We make a contribution and feel good about it. I grew up here (in the valley), went to Kern Valley High and started my career here. I knew I wanted to come back and finish my career here."

Brian Puckett of the US Bureau of Land Management was the third honoree, joined by Tim Smith, U.S. BLM Field Office Manager. "Brian is a paramedic too! That is very unusual for a BLM person," said Smith. Puckett started an EMT program for BLM, enabling the group to respond to other calls than they would usually be able to. "He saw a need and took it on," added Smith.

"It's no coincidence that every boy wants to grow up to be a fireman," said representative Benjamin McFarland of Congressman Kevin McCarthy's office, "you are so admired and respected in this valley. We are indebted to you." McFarland was on hand, along with Bryan Williams representing Assemblywoman Jean Fuller, Rex Moen representing Senator Roy Ashburn, and Craig Peterson representing Supervisor Jon McQuiston, to bestow awards themselves to the firefighters. Cheryl Borthick, owner of Cheryl's Diner in Kernville, asked for a moment to speak and thanked the Fire Department for saving her restaurant recently. She said, "I want to thank the fire fighters who live next door to me. Nothing was broken. I only lost two loaves of bread that I tried to sell as flaming toast, but nobody was going for it!"

The Exchange Club Firefighter of the year program is in its third year, brought about by retired U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Fred Roach. He along with his wife Elaine Roach organize the event each year. This year marks Smokey the Bear's 65th birthday and Fred and Elaine had enough clout to have Smokey along with his pal Sparky as special guests. Roach had just returned from a conference in Texas where the keynote speaker, an astronaut, told the audience, " I always wanted to be a fireman, but I couldn't make the grade", and Fred said he was 100% serious.