Brad Craven
In 2016 we moved to Shaver Lake, intending to retire here. When I retired a couple of years later, I attended a meeting of the Shaver Lake Civic League, because I wanted to be more involved in our community. To my surprise, they asked me to join the board, and soon after, the Fire Department. I found both to be rewarding, but especially the Fire Department, where a camaraderie developed between our members. When the Creek Fire struck, that comradeship became a true brotherhood where we not only watched out for and protected each other, but we knew Company 60 was giving back to our neighbors and friends as well. While that fire was a singular, life changing event, the everyday operations of the Shaver Lake Fire Department continue to have significance to us and to the community as well. Our calls include wildland and structure fires, rescues, motor vehicle accidents and extrications, and power line and gas line failures. However, upwards of 65% of page-outs are medical, which can be one of our most meaningful interactions with the public, both residents and visitors. The community is always passing their thanks along to our members for everything that we do, and that is the biggest reward of all. This has been the very best career change of my life, even though it is unpaid. I don’t think I have ever been involved in something as important and worthwhile as serving Shaver Lake as a Volunteer Fire Department member.

David Eggers
My son and I joined the SLFD in the spring of 2023. Initially I was planning to join solo to give back to my community part time. Almost 5 months later my reasons for joining have completely changed. I still believe in giving back to my community, however, the camaraderie and professionalism, the trust, the friendships built with the other SLFD volunteers and the strengthened relationship between my son and I joining together, the experience and time has been priceless and life changing. I now volunteer at full-time status.

Reaves Forest
I was in my sophomore year of college and I was looking for a way to give back to the community. I had friends who had volunteered for various fire departments and I decided it was something I wanted to try out. So I tried to join the department—but I was initially turned away as I didn’t live in Shaver full time. But then I started ski patrolling and spending a significant amount of time at Shaver and they let me in. I’ve stayed with the department mostly because of the comradery and because I really enjoy making a difference in somebody’s day, as well as the adrenaline rush when going on a call. When I started I had no experience in the medical field and didn’t have any fire skills but over the last 4-5 years I’ve become a Nationally Registered EMT, as well as Fireline EMT. I have many other certifications such as felling logs [on a fire], and rope skills for low angle-rescue and plan to continue my education in these areas.

Kyle Patton
About 6 years ago I was approached by a member of the Shaver Lake Volunteer FD to ask if I would be interested in becoming a volunteer. I only agreed to go to a training and orientation session because I thought it would help get approval for a cabin project I was working on in my subdivision, and the person inviting me was also on my HOA board. After meeting the crew and seeing their enthusiasm I became more curious. I saw commitment, professionalism, and challenges that piqued my interest. These folks were serious and no one was being paid! Needless to say I was impressed.

I was retired and in need of a change in my life. I was always a person who wanted to grow more through challenges and also help out my community in some way since I lived up here full time. Before I could say yay or nay I was hooked. Almost immediately I was outfitted with a uniform, pager, radio, wildland and structure gear.

I went on as many calls and trainings as I could. I remember saying it was probably easier to learn to pilot a 747 than to learn and operate all the different equipment, engines and controls, medical bags, tools, and radio procedures associated with becoming a Firefighter. I quickly discovered that there was way more to being a Firefighter than just fighting fires! The epitome of my time with the SLVFD was the honor and privilege of being on the front line of the monstrous Creek Fire of 2020 and participating in working with up to 1650 fire fighters to fight for and save my beloved community.