At the Board of Supervisor meeting held Tuesday, May 6th, Captain Gary McCord received the “Award of Excellence” for his outstanding service to the residents and co-workers of San Bernardino County.

Captain McCord has been instrumental in the success of two very important emergency service and fire protection programs within the Fire Department of San Bernardino County. As Captain in charge of the County Fire Fuels crew, Gary supervised, trained, and led this crew, which recently, was recognized for their Fuel Break project in the community of Deer Lodge Park. This Fuel Break was a very significant factor for Fire Crews gaining an anchor point and eventually saving untold numbers of properties, and possibly lives, during the recent Grass Valley Fire in October of 2007.

In addition, Gary successfully managed the County Fire Dozer Program, in which he was also the lead operator in responding to several large fires throughout the County. His efforts helped suppress fires and protect homes in the Communities of Fawnskin, Big Bear Lake, Yucca Valley, Hesperia, Fontana, Devore and Lake Arrowhead. Gary has consistently conducted himself with absolute dedication and many times gone beyond the call of duty in providing service to the people of San Bernardino County. He has made himself available 24/7 to ensure that both programs have become the successes that they are today.

Captain McCord’s demonstration of excellence has been routinely accomplished with the Service First mentality of Friendly, Interested, Responsive, Service-Oriented, and Trustworthy. It is our strong opinion, that Captain Gary McCord, is The Role Model of what a County employee and firefighter should be.