Paramedic Named Firefighter of Year
The Newport Beach Firefighters Assn. has named Rich Thomas the 1997 Firefighter of the Year.
Thomas began his firefighting career in Newport Beach in 1976 and was promoted to a paramedic position in 1979.
Officials said that Thomas has maintained outstanding ratings in the area of job performance, knowledge, judgment and decision making and adaptability.
Thomas has served as president of the Firefighters Assn. since 1994 and has organized charity fund-raisers, public education campaigns and served on several committees.
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