South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Meston to head California Fire Chiefs Association

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston has been elected as president-elect of the California Fire Chief's Association (CalChiefs). The 925 voting members of the association voted for Meston during their recent election period that concluded August 4.

This is not only the first time a chief from South Lake Tahoe has been elected to the state's top spot, but also the first time anyone has from cities along the Sierra Nevada.

"I am rally humbled and very much thrilled," Chief Meston said of his appointment.

"I have aspired for this since being a chief and look forward to continuing the fine work that has been done over the last 100 years since they were formed."

Chief Meston has led South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue since October of 2013. His prior experience included being the chief of Novato Fire District, a private fire chief with Capstone Fire & Safety Management and a tribal fire chief. Meston's service has included working for cities, counties, a special fire district and the private company.

City of South Lake Tahoe City Manager Nancy Kerry stated, “I am not surprised that Chief Meston’s colleagues in the California Fire Chief’s Association elected such a strong, vibrant and professional leader to such a position of honor. Chief Meston serves the community and City of South Lake Tahoe with a dedication to excellence in himself as well as the team of professionals he leads. We are fortunate to serve alongside him here at the City. I’m confident he will serve the Cal Fire Chief’s Association membership and leadership team well this upcoming year and I know he’ll be an inspiring leader as President next year. Please join me in congratulating Chief Meston!“

When asked what his goal as president would be, Meston said issues evolve all the time and that CalChiefs try and address the most pressing issues. Currently they w they are in process of working through legal battles on who provides paramedic service, when, where and how. That may be resolved by time he becomes president.

Their motto is, to strengthen and advocate for the California Fire Service through leadership, unity and collaboration; something Meston has shown on a daily basis since arriving in South Lake Tahoe.

He has improved fire safety in the City by separating EMTs/paramedics and firefighters/medics, thus leaving those that fight fires to protect the City while the others take care of the medical calls and interfacility transfers. Other departments around the state are facing these same issues, something Meston's leadership will be able to help with.

With Meston at the helm of CalChiefs, South Lake Tahoe will benefit by having the latest cutting edge information about the California Fire service both operationally and legislatively. This will allow SLTFR to quickly react to improve customer service while also sharing some of our innovations in the delivery of fire and life safety to our community.

Meston, who is father to two and grandfather to two, will be serving for three years with CalChiefs. This fall he will start his term as president-elect, followed by a year as president, followed by a year as past-president.

The California Fire Chief’s Association is an organization that represents nearly all the 1,000 fire departments in the State of California. It was established around 1917.

The Board of Directors consists of 18 members, which include the Executive Board, and Area Directors. The Association has 8 sub-sections which include Administrative Fire Service, Communications, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Fire Mechanics, Fire Prevention, Operations and Training Officers.