by Robbie Cassou,
This year’s recipient of the 2017 Training Officer of the Year Award first joined the volunteer fire service in December of 2006. Within a few short years, he rose to the rank of Captain in one department and volunteer Fire Chief in another. He is presently certified as an Emergency Medical Technician -1, a Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, a Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Operations Level, and is one of only a handful of Plumas County fire service members to be certified and registered by the State of California as an instructor.
He is respected for not only his knowledge, but for his legendary calm demeanor. During emergencies when he see something being done that is either unsafe or in conflict with department policies, he quietly corrects the action and uses it as a teaching opportunity without demeaning the offender.
He is an exceptional instructor. He takes great pride in preparing his lesson plans, resulting in organized, informative and entertaining training programs. His lectures at the regional fire academy, emergency medical responder courses, and weekly drills have always been a joy for those who participate in them, and serve as an inspiration to other instructors.
He has a relentless upbeat attitude. His drive to always improve through training, coupled with how he goes out of his way to make everyone he teaches feel like family, make him an excellent choice for the 2017 Fire Instructor of the Year Award.
This year’s recipient of the 2017 Training Officer of the Year Award first joined the volunteer fire service in December of 2006. Within a few short years, he rose to the rank of Captain in one department and volunteer Fire Chief in another. He is presently certified as an Emergency Medical Technician -1, a Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, a Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Operations Level, and is one of only a handful of Plumas County fire service members to be certified and registered by the State of California as an instructor.
He is respected for not only his knowledge, but for his legendary calm demeanor. During emergencies when he see something being done that is either unsafe or in conflict with department policies, he quietly corrects the action and uses it as a teaching opportunity without demeaning the offender.
He is an exceptional instructor. He takes great pride in preparing his lesson plans, resulting in organized, informative and entertaining training programs. His lectures at the regional fire academy, emergency medical responder courses, and weekly drills have always been a joy for those who participate in them, and serve as an inspiration to other instructors.
He has a relentless upbeat attitude. His drive to always improve through training, coupled with how he goes out of his way to make everyone he teaches feel like family, make him an excellent choice for the 2017 Fire Instructor of the Year Award.
One of David's student teaching demonstrations while completing state fire instructor training in 2012. Photo by Tom Forster