CAL FIRE NEU meeting everyone

NEVADA COUNTY, CA, May 30, 2024 – The CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (NEU) held its annual all-hands meeting. Chief Brian Estes welcomed current and former members of the unit and spoke about the unit's rich history. He concluded with: “Enjoy the experience. Enjoy the friendships you have and will make. Enjoy the excitement. Enjoy things that most people in the world never get to see by being part of an agency like CAL FIRE. But I ask you, never take this for granted. And always, always give back to those you have followed and those who will follow in your footsteps.

After a presentation by West Point graduate, combat veteran and author Dave Anderson, it was time to present unit awards.

The winners are:

• Superior achievement: FAE Angelo Morabito, HFEO Devery Minor, Personnel Services Manager Susanne Tennant, FC James Michels, FC Nick Salas
• Superior achievement of the group: Tac EMS teams and PCFD technical rescue team
• Partnership: United Indian Community of Auburn and OES of Nevada County
• Direction: Kevin McKeown, British Columbia
• Employee of the Year: Sonny Vaughn, mechanic
• Firefighter of the year: FC Chris Africa