ANAHEIM

In recognition of his long-standing service to the city’s Fire Department, Capt. Scott Schoeppner was named Firefighter of the Year on Saturday by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “He’s the kind of guy who has the best interest of his firefighters in mind; he always thinks about the other person,” said Battalion Chief Bruce Jacobson, who has worked with Schoeppner for about 20 years.

Among other initiatives, Schoeppner started training programs that deal with such issues as terrorism response and the hazards of new technologies. He plans to retire at the end of the year after 30 years of service with the department.