

Big Bear City Fire Chief Jeff Willis honored one of the department’s paid-call firefighters with the CPR Lifesaver Ribbon before the CSD Board of Directors this week. Paid-call firefighter Justin Fluke saved the life of a six-year-old girl while he was working as a waiter at the Peppercorn Grille. Chief Willis told those in attendance at the February 2 CSD meeting, “Justin did an excellent job, while taking care of her mom at the same time.” Fluke did the Heimlich maneuver on the six-year-old, and dislodged the candy from her throat before paramedics from the fire department arrived on scene.
Chief Willis had also planned to recognize Firefighter Bob Barnett and just-promoted Captain Tony Huefner with Meritorious Service Ribbons, though this presentation will be held for a future CSD meeting, as Huefner was injured in a motorcycle accident on Monday. As for Captain Huefner’s condition, Chief Willis said, “He is going to be alright, but he is going to be bruised and sore for awhile.”