William “Bill” Austin and Capt. Dave Larberg recently were honored as the Valley Regional Fire Authority Firefighter of the Year and Fire Officer of the Year, respectively, at its annual employee recognition awards reception.

Austin, a firefighter for 21 years, and Larberg, a 23-year veteran of the VRFA, were chosen by their peers.

Austin recently served as a respiratory specialist and was heavily involved in the evaluation and selection process of new self-contained breathing apparatus for the VRFA. He recently was promoted to captain on D shift and continues to be instrumental in the development of training manuals for new firefighters. He serves on the VRFA safety committee.

“Bill has a tremendous work ethic and takes on tasks above and beyond his normal duties,” said one of his fellow firefighters.

Larberg recently filled in as the training battalion chief for several months and was instrumental in developing the training program and budget.

“Dave is always willing to go out of his way to help and train others. He is a guy to model my aspiring career after,” said one of his co-workers.

Larberg has spent many years as chairperson of the VRFA wellness/fitness program, which is designed to reduce injuries and keep firefighters healthy during their careers. He recently was promoted to battalion chief of C shift.

In addition, Austin, Larberg and Joel Strange were recognized for their promotions to captain.

The VRFA also recognized those who retired from the VRFA in 2011: Fire Chief Stan Laatsch with 34 years of service, Capt. Tom Marino with 31 years of service; and Firefighter Gregg Peterson with 32 years of service.