Morro Bay Fire Department Recognizes It's Firefighters During an Annual Luncheon

Every year, the Morro Bay Fire Department recognizes its firefighters at an annual event. This tradition gives the Department the opportunity to honor firefighters for their service in our community.

Morro Bay Fire Engineer Paramedic Jeff Simpson was awarded Firefighter of the Year for his dedication and passion for the emergency service profession that started when Jeff was a lifeguard at the age of 16 years for Alameda County.

Jeff's service with Morro Bay started in 1992 as a Lifeguard and Reserve Patrol Officer for the Morro Bay Harbor Department. In 1995, Jeff received a Medal of Valor from the City of Morro Bay for his part in a water rescue that occurred during a flooding event in the City.

Jeff started his fire career in Pismo Beach in 1995 and entered paramedic school in 1998. He joined the Morro Bay Fire Department in 1999 and became a member of the San Luis Obispo County Urban Search and Rescue Team. Jeff has been a part of many rescues in San Luis Obispo County. Most notably, in 2011, Jeff was a part of a rescue involving a worker trapped in a trench collapse in Morro Bay with positive results.

Morro Bay Fire Chief Steven Knuckles has stated, "Being a firefighter for the City of Morro Bay is not just a job for Jeff,  but is a way of life. Jeff shows his efforts for his service through his passion for preparation and performance."

Reserve Firefighter Joe Rawson received Reserve Firefighter of the Year for his dedication to the community as a Reserve Firefighter.

Joe started with the Morro Bay Fire Department in 2010 and attended the Alan Hancock Fire Academy in 2012. He has served two fire seasons as a Seasonal Firefighter and is currently a Limited Term Firefighter that assists in our daily staffing. Joe has demonstrated his commitment to our community with his response availability and his work performance. Fire Chief Steven Knuckles has stated, "Joe was selected by his peers for his love to work for a community based fire department. Joe brings his skill set to his job every day to assist our citizens in their time of need."

Joe will be attending paramedic school through Cuesta College in 2015.

Additional Meritorious awards were given to Engineer Paramedic Travis Hasch and Reserve Firefighter Nathan Ditmore for their service to the community of Morro Bay. Engineer Paramedic Michael Tallmadge received the Fire Chief’s Recognition Award and a Posthumous Meritorious Service Award was given to the late Reserve Engineer Graham Pask for his two decade service to the community of Morro Bay. Graham unexpectedly passed away in his sleep in March of 2013.