San Dimas Recognizes Firefighter of the Year

Pictured (l-r) are San Dimas Mayor Curtis Morris, Hopkins and Watson.
(Story and photo by CSR Alicia Mejia)

Fire Fighter Specialist Chet Hopkins of Fire Station 64-B was selected as Firefighter of the Year by the City of San Dimas and formally recognized at the San Dimas City Council Meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Each year, the City’s Public Safety Commission recognizes one local firefighter and deputy sheriff who have exhibited a strong commitment and sense of service to the community. Assistant Fire Chief Ron Watson introduced Hopkins to the City Council and the packed audience of local residents and coworkers as this year’s honoree. Many members of Hopkins’ family, including his wife Alice, daughter Kailey, son Justin, mother Doris Robertson, grandmother Margie Whittington and brother-in-law Cesar Siles, were also in attendance to witness the special honor. The Firefighter of the Year Award also recognized Hopkins’ commitment to the work ethic and dedication required by all firefighters. Hopkins joined LACoFD on January 7, 1990, and coincidentally began his first assignment at Fire Station 64. He promoted to the rank of Fire Fighter Specialist in May 1997 and served at fire stations in the cities and unincorporated areas of La Canada, Rowland Heights, Basset, East Los Angeles, El Monte and Pomona. In 2002, he was recognized as “Firefighter of the Year” for his dedicated service to the City of El Monte. During the same year, Hopkins was also honored as the recipient of Los Angeles County Firefighters Association’s Overachievers Award of Merit. Hopkins returned to Station 64 in May 2008, and continues to be much admired as a strong role model and mentor for Explorer Post 2. He is currently mentoring two eighth grade boys through the Department’s Rescue Youth Program.