Chris Danner named Rancho Santa Fe Firefighter of the Year

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District (RSFFPD) has named Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Danner as the recipient of the 2015 David B. Dewey Firefighter of the Year Award. Danner was announced as the recipient of the award at the annual RSFFPD Appreciation Dinner for his dedication, sense of duty, leadership, commitment to the Fire District, and customer service.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by your peers,” says Fire Chief Tony Michel. “Chris Danner is an outstanding firefighter and we are privileged to have him as a member of this District.”

Danner was hired by the RSFFPD in 2006. Throughout his tenure at RSFFPD, Danner has positively represented the Fire District both on and off duty. He has assisted with new hire testing and oversees the purchase and use of personal protective equipment. He is currently a member of the Strategic Plan Committee, which is currently working on a new Strategic Plan to help guide the Fire District for the next five to seven years. In his spare time, Danner oversees his non-profit foundation, The Pint Project, which partners with local breweries to raise money for emergency medical services and military families in need.

Also recognized was Captain Greg Rainville, who received the Phoenix Award, which recognizes an employee who demonstrates critical judgements and actions in performing life-preserving or life-resuscitating efforts. On Aug. 4, 2014, Rainville and his wife, Monica, were driving on Park Blvd near the San Diego Zoo when they saw a commotion just off the road. They realized a person was down and stopped to help. Someone had just called 9-1-1, but none of the bystanders had started CPR. Rainville quickly assessed the situation and began chest compressions. He continued hands-only CPR until San Diego firefighters arrived on the scene, by which time the man had a pulse and was starting to breathe on his own.