Thanks to those who keep the Malibu West Volunteer Fire Department going • The Malibu Times

A quick but meaningful salute to the members of the Malibu West Volunteer Fire Department, who have dedicated many hours of training to become an effective force in fighting wildfires and protecting structures in and around our neighborhood.

The commitment and dedication these gentlemen have shown is exceptional. Many of these volunteers have also joined the Community Brigade, which I highly recommend to all able-bodied Malibu residents. The level of training will be more intense and extremely valuable.

A big thank you to Keegan Gibbs, who has made an Olympic effort to secure grants to fund this great new program. Well done, Keegan. Chief Drew Smith is a vital link in the chain of events that makes all of these developments possible, as his insight and determination to help create the Community Brigade and train the many volunteers is incredible.

Here is the list of Malibu West volunteer fire departments:

Let me first congratulate the Malibu West Fire Captains: Aron Marderosian, Armanado Petretti, Erik Rondell, Tim Biglow, Mikke Pierson and Greg Corinth. These six gentlemen are the backbone of the organization. I cannot express my deep appreciation for their tireless efforts. I can only attempt to demonstrate their dedication.

Brigade members: John Armstrong, Tim Bice, Merlin Clarke, Mike Downing, Dominic Fote, Milo Gibson, Paul Grisanti, Mark Gruskin, John Hathorn, David Hays, Carey Hayes, Nathan Johnson, Patrick Kolsch, Mark Loquet, Patrick Lynch , RJ Miller, Scott Mulder, David Myers, Emmet Pierson, Jason Riddick, Ryan Rocca, Lance Roth, Josh Spiegel, Tom Trafalski, Karl Tso, Mark Wetton and Charlie Wilkinson.

I am extremely honored to recognize our training officer since 2012, retired Battalion Chief Walt Shirk, who has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. Many thanks Walt. I also want to thank Captain Rick Mullen of Station 72, who has been a valuable training resource: thank you Rick, your knowledge and energy have been invigorating.

To the Malibu West Volunteer Fire Department, I could not be more proud to serve alongside you gentlemen. It is a rare opportunity for such a small group to come together and work as one, for the good of many. My gratitude is immeasurable and my thanks are endless. Let us continue to move forward and hope for a smooth fire season.

With gratitude,

Dermot Stoker,

Malibu West Volunteer Fire Department

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