Firefighter of year puts out tech fires

Capt. Api Weinert makes many behind-the-scenes contributions to the Fire Department’s mission.Fire Capt. Api Weinert has been chosen by his peers as Laguna Beach’s firefighter of the year for 2005.

He doesn’t necessarily slide down a fire pole or ride the fire truck with sirens blaring. His job is to make sure the department runs well behind the scenes. He is also an arson investigator.

Weinert’s greatest contribution to the department over the past year was his computer-related work, Battalion Chief Jeff LaTendresse said.

Weinert is the department’s expert in computer technology, and he played a major role in implementing a program that coordinates employees’ working hours.

Weinert also serves as president of the arson section of the Orange County Fire Chiefs, and he has worked toward consolidating training and information distribution countywide.

Winning the award for the first time in his 15 years with the department, the low-key Weinert says he has been fortunate to work with the department.

“I was taken aback when nominated by our union board and even more deeply moved when the members of the organization voted for me,” he said.

“We have so many committed firefighters in the city who work hard every day. It is difficult to say what I did differently than the rest. Most of the time I am just trying to keep up with the other outstanding members. I know it wasn’t because of my good looks.”

Weinert lives with his wife and three children in Dana Point.