The Santa Barbara County Fire Department named its employee and firefighter of the year at the Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 14.
Sandra Viola was surprised by her employee of the year award.
“I was helping check people in [to the party],” Viola said. “I didn’t expect it all.”
She has been a county employee for 21 years, the last seven of which have been spent with the fire department. Viola works in the training division where she’s responsible for tracking the county’s training records and ensures that required training is taken care of in the county. Her task is to look for classes for people who need them for training.
“It’s an honor,” Viola said. “I’m really surprised because I love what I do. And when you love your job, it’s an award in itself.”
In addition to her work record, she spends free time helping out at her youngest child’s school. She also volunteers at polls on election night.
Capt. Rob Heckman was named the “SBC FD Firefighter of the Year.” He’s a 13-year veteran at the department and a member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team and Water Rescue Team. He’s also a certified truck captain, a certified paramedic, and the union president—a position he’s held for six years.
Heckman has also spent time organizing community events, which range from barbecues to fundraisers, and meets with local government representatives to mesh together firefighters and management.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 23-30, 2010.
