Larberg, Zehnder selected by peers as top firefighter, officer for ’07

One takes command and ensures the health and wellness of his co-workers, the other keeps medical supplies stocked and his colleagues properly trained for the task at hand.

For Dave Larberg and Steve Zehnder, keeping an edge and performing to the fullest are what it is all about. The challenge is trying to maintain those standards in the face of changes to the firefighting profession and the rapid growth and demands of Auburn.

“And it changes all the time,” said Capt. Larberg, a 19-year veteran of the Valley Regional Fire Authority. “(The profession) is so diverse, so global. It’s hard to keep current with everything. You have to be a life-learner on the job.”

For their proficiency and performance, Larberg and Zehnder respectively were chosen VRFA Fire Officer and Firefighter of the Year for 2007. The two were chosen by their peers and honored at the recent VRFA banquet.

Larberg, 46, who is assigned to Fire Station 34 on Lea Hill, was recognized for “his positive attitude, strong work ethic and decisive leadership style in his supervisory role.”

Zehnder, 33, an 8-year veteran of the VRFA who is currently assigned to Fire Station 32 in southeast Auburn, was cited for “his great attitude, great skills and relentless work ethic.”

The honor humbles both of them. They share the honor with those around them.

“Just to work with a talented bunch of individuals is rewarding,” said Larberg, who previously was recognized as the 1995 Firefighter of the Year. “It’s a team effort.

“I don’t have to go to work. I get the opportunity to go to work,” he said. “It’s a great group of people to work for.”

Added Zehnder: “Truthfully, I want to give (the honor) back. It’s actually not an easy thing for me. It probably goes to someone else. I’m sure there are other people who are doing cool things who are more deserving than me.”

In addition to his role as captain, Larberg manages the VRFA health and wellness and pre-incident programs for the VRFA. The programs have helped improve and promote health and fitness of VRFA staff, something that strikes a chord with Larberg.

The program requires annual medical and physicals for firefighters, as well as fitness assessments. More injuries and health issues are prevented these days, Larberg pointed out, and morale and mental well-being have improved because of the emphasis, practice and evolution of the program.

Fitness first

Firefighters, for example, are extended the opportunity to devote 90 minutes to conditioning each work shift, Larberg pointed out.

“If you take care of yourself, you can take care of others,” Larberg said.

Larberg enjoys his work for its variety and challenges.

“It’s different every day,” he said. “You show up at the same place, but you never know what to expect that day.”

Larberg, who was born and raised in Auburn, lives in Lake Tapps with his wife, Jeannie, and daughter Samantha, 8. His active family enjoys water and snow skiing, biking and other sports.

Zehnder, meanwhile, has excelled as a medical specialist in the EMS (emergency medical services) division for several years. He coordinates the inventory and purchasing of medical supplies and was instrumental in developing the current inventory management and central stores program. He also provides required monthly medical training to his co-workers as well as his routine duties as a firefighter.

“I like the firefighting aspect of the job, but EMS is a majority of what we do,” Zehnder said. “I pride myself in being highly skilled for every facet of the job.”

Zehnder says it is important for the force to remain true to the fundamentals and functions of the job. As a medical specialist, he ensures that his fellow firefighters receive competency-based training.

The versatile Zehnder makes sure he and his peers are ready at all times.

“I fit in well here. It’s very team oriented,” he said. “To be good at it, you have to work at it.

“My focus is to make sure I perform well.”

Zehnder, born and raised in Sumner, lives in Bonney Lake with his wife, Jolene, and 2-year-old daughter, Sara. A family man, Zehnder enjoys travel and playing sports, including wakeboarding and snowboarding.

ALSO: In addition to the top two award recipients, the VRFA recently honored two retirees – Fire Captain Rich Schneider with 31 years and Firefighter Ron Mauel with 21 years. Battalion Chief Parry Boogard received a medal of commendation for his oversight of a brush fire involving a regional response. Firefighter Neil Pederson received a commendation for responding to a Blackhawk helicopter crash in Enumclaw. Firefighters from B-shift also were recognized for their life-saving efforts in the rescue and successful resuscitation of a man trapped in a house fire.