Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Chris Stuehler's recognition reflects the high esteem in which his peers hold him.

Volunteer named Firefighter of the Year

The 'Willie' goes to Chris Stuehler

By Michelle Alaimo

When he was 15 years old, Chris Stuehler started hanging out at fire stations in Milpitas, where he helped out whenever he could and participated in training exercises. Now the 20-year-old carpenter who volunteers with the Saratoga Fire District has been named the district's Firefighter of the Year.

Stuehler was selected for the honor by his peers in Saratoga. The "Willie," as the award is called, was first given in 1985 and is in memory of Wilbur William Worden, who was Saratoga's fire captain when he died in 1984. Worden held every rank in the department, and the "Willie" is given to one firefighter each year who best exemplifies Worden's traits. Stuehler also received a proclamation from the city at the City Council's Jan. 7 meeting.

Saratoga Fire District Chief Ernie Kraule said, "Chris has done an outstanding job in his assignments and tasks. He's very well-organized."

As one of the fire district's 30 volunteer firefighters, Stuehler helps supplement the 20 full-time firefighters in a variety of ways. Kraule said the department relies on volunteers heavily when there is a major event. In addition, Kraule said the volunteer firefighters train with the paid firefighters to learn all aspects of the fire service, ranging from becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) to fighting fires.

Stuehler, who resides in San Jose, has been with the department for 2 1/2 years and is always on call.

Since the fire district receives mostly medical calls, Stuehler's interest in paramedics was piqued, and he is now taking paramedic classes at Foothill College. As a firefighter, he is limited in what emergency functions he can perform as an EMT.

He said he plans to continue working with the fire district after his training and hopes to work as a paramedic on one of the fire engines.

In addition to training as a paramedic, Stuehler said he enjoys other special training opportunities with the district, such as educating children about fire safety. He added that while it's nice to be recognized, he would keep doing what he's doing even without the recognition.

"The award is just the frosting on the cake," Stuehler said.

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