Heroes
Local M E ET OUR
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is proud to join the Palm Springs Fire Department in honoring the following brave men who serve our community every day
CAPTAIN CHAD BLASECK 2019 Firefighter of the Year Captain Chad Blaseck was nominated by the members of the department and selected by the awards committee as the 2019 Firefighter of the Year. • Distinguished service to the people of Palm Springs • Heroism On the morning of February 14, 2019, a high school student swept away by flooding was trapped on a small island. His position was life-threatening, as the water levels began to rise and the island deteriorated. The Palm Springs Fire Department assembled a swift-water response that included six swift-water techs and an inflatable boat. Multiple unsuccessful attempts were made by the rescuers, including trying to swim in the fast-moving, debris-filled water. A tension diagonal rope was what would make this rescue possible, but the width of the floodwaters was over 200 feet and firefighters had no way to get the line across that distance. Captain Blaseck put himself in grave danger as he used a golf cart bridge to get close enough to receive a throw from the other side—this after witnessing the same type of golf cart bridge failing and being washed downriver just moments before. The other five rescuers each received a Meritorious Service Award for the rescue, which was made possible by the efforts of Captain Blaseck. 18 PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2021
CAPTAIN JUSTIN HARVEY 2020 Firefighter of the Year
Captain Justin Harvey was nominated by the members of the department and selected by the awards committee as the 2020 Firefighter of the Year. • Distinguished service at all times to the people of Palm Springs in and/or beyond the call of duty • Outstanding work in promoting fire protection and life safety within the city of Palm Springs • Origination of a program/idea/ tool that is highly beneficial to the fire department and/or the city of Palm Springs • Above-average technical knowledge; participation in fire educational programs; teaching in fire science programs It was on January 13 of last year that Captain Harvey assumed the newly created role of training captain. He was subsequently able to achieve far more than the first-year goals and objectives set by the training division. Harvey worked tirelessly on developing a fire training program to not only improve the department as a whole but most importantly to ensure local firefighters are given every opportunity to go home safely to their families. Captain Harvey was able to research and ensure compliance with federal and state mandates, thereby guaranteeing the Palm Springs Fire Department continues to meet all required standards and training through Cal OSHA, FAA, REMSA, ISO, and CICCS. He was able to create a comprehensive task book for engineer, captain, and battalion chief positions. He updated both the probationary firefighter trimester test and the engineer certification process. He also achieved Palm Springs Fire Department compliance with NFPA 1410 by establishing company performance standards. The 2020 Live Burn Drill was a success because of Harvey’s efforts in preparing the site for a safe training burn for the department members and diplomatic guests who participated. Captain Harvey raised the bar for safety, efficiency, and professionalism, and his accomplishments will have a long-lasting impact on the well-being of all personnel on the Palm Springs Fire Department.
