Battalion Chief Brent Larkin Retires

On Friday, July 30th, Battalion Chief Brent Larkin will bid farewell to the Lakeside Fire Protection District after 29 years of dedicated work. Brent will celebrate his final shift with friends and family where it all began way back in 1981.

Brent with his family (left to right) daughter Samantha, Brent, wife Nancy, and daughter Roxanne

Fire Chief Andy Parr congratulates Brent on his last shift.

Brent's career in the fire service actually began in 1978 while working as an EMT for Hartson's Ambulance Service. In 1979, Brent was selected to attend paramedic school in anticipation of Hartson's opening a new station in the Lemon Grove area. In 1980, Brent graduated with EMSTO Class #12 and began serving in the role as a MIC-Paramedic.

Firefighter-Paramedic Larkin changes out is air tank on a fire in Flinn Springs (circa. 1985)

In December of 1981, the Lakeside Fire District offered Brent a job as a Firefighter-Paramedic. Brent would work on one of two ambulances that served the entire Lakeside-Santee area. Needless to say these were very busy units.

In 2000, Brent would promote to the rank of Captain which allowed him to work in all the areas throughout Lakeside. Although removed from ambulance duties, he continued to maintain his paramedic license.

In 2008, Brent would promote to the rank of Battalion Chief. With his extensive EMS experience, he would be tasked to oversee the pre-hospital program. As the ranking officer on the EMS Committee, Brent instituted a number of changes in the EMS delivery system.

"I will miss the comradeship with the crews and all the professionals I've had the opportunity to work with in Heartland", states Brent.

Brent looks forward to spending more time with wife Nancy, and daughters Roxanne and Samantha, and doing some travelling.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District