Division Chief Ron Laff Retires from the Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside-

Division Chief Ron Laff will celebrate his last day with the Lakeside Fire Protection District on December 15th, 2013. Ron has had a long productive career with the Lakeside Fire District, which included command assignments on the Cedar and Harris Ranch Fires.

Division Chief Ron Laff receives his retirement badge from Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr.

Ron's entry into the fire service began as a reserve firefighter with San Diego Rural Fire District out of their Descanso station. His interest in the fire service continued to grow when he was hired by the United States Forest Service in 1978 to serve as a wildland firefighter on an engine crew. In 1983 he was moved from an engine company to serve on a Hot Shot crew cutting hand line in remote locations.

In that same year Ron got hired on at his first municipal fire agency. He would serve a three year stint with the El Centro Fire Department as an engine company firefighter. In 1986 he received word that he would return to San Diego County with a job offer from the Lakeside Fire Protection District. During his time as a firefighter he would receive his paramedic accreditation with UCSD Paramedic Training Class #38.

Ron receives an appreciation plaque from Eric Stamm of the Lakeside Firefighters Association

In 1995 Ron would put his time on the ambulance behind him with a promotion to Engine Company Captain. During this time he would be assigned to various stations throughout the Lakeside area till his promotion to Division Chief in 2001. During his time as a chief officer Ron would serve in management positions on fires throughout the western United States. These assignments would include action on the Cedar Fire in 2003, and the Harris Ranch Fire in 2007.

Ron is looking forward to spending time with his family. But somehow we think Ron will continue to have influence in the fire service for years to come. Enjoy your retirement....!   

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District