Three firefighters promoted

The Laguna Beach Fire Department celebrated the promotion of three firefighters Tuesday morning.

Firefighters, family members, friends and representatives of the city’s other departments packed the City Council Chamber to see the promotions of Chris Kent and Cissy Teichmann, and the conclusion of Chip Gilmore’s probationary year.

“There is a lot of testing in the probationary year ? not everyone makes it through,” Fire Chief Mike Macey said. “Chip made it through with absolutely no problem.”

Battalion Chief Tom Christopher said Gilmore had raised the bar for future probationers.

“He leads by example,” Christopher said.

Gilmore’s wife, Carrie, “pinned” him, traditionally the honor of a spouse, a parent or a mentor.

“Everyone in the department contributed to my success,” Gilmore said.

Division Chief Jeff LaTendresse introduced Teichmann, who was promoted to engineer/paramedic. Her new job includes maneuvering fire engines around twisty, narrow city streets and through traffic.

Teichmann is the city’s first female fire engineer. She has been serving in Laguna for five years, and has been sought after by other departments in the county, Division Chief Jeff La Tendresse said.

“She’s one of the few female firefighters in the county,” he said.

Teichmann’s husband, Pete, pinned her husband.

Teichmann’s duties as a fire engineer will involve maintaining and operating the department’s equipment.

“It takes a combination of book smarts and mechanical aptitude,” La Tendresse said.

Kent was promoted to captain. His wife, Diane pinned him, followed by hugs from his children Cory and Devon, both students at Laguna Beach schools.

As a new captain, Kent will be responsible for directly supervising a crew of three. With the department since 1996, Kent has had the responsibility of taking care of all of the department’s breathing apparatuses and maintaining the nozzles on hoses.

“A firefighting career is a family effort,” Macey said.

Battalion Chief Kris Head said he was honored to speak about Kent, a co-worker and a friend.

Kent was hired as reserve firefighter in 1992. During his career here, his duties have been varied, including baby-sitting the goats that munch the fire break that girdles the city. He was hired full-time in 1996.

City Clerk Martha Anderson administered the oath of allegiance to Gilmore, Teichmann and Kent, immediately followed by a reception next door in Station One.

? Dan Beighley

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