By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
Assistant Fire Chief Kat Opliger of the San Bernardino County Fire District received a warm send-off from her 50 co-workers and other County Fire chiefs recently during a retirement luncheon at Station 91 in Lake Arrowhead. She is retiring from the district after a very successful 20-year tenure with County Fire and following a previous 17-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, where she worked on a hot shot crew. She has spent her life trying to protect the mountain communities from devastation from fire.
Kat Opliger with her husband, Rocky, and daughter Erin in front of County Fire Station 91.
It was obvious she was well-loved and respected by her staff and co-workers as they swarmed around her to share stories and memories of various incidents, fires and events where they had worked together. The laughter and smiles were prevalent among them all.
“I admire her!” said Chief Jason Serrano. “I remember the time I first heard her on the radio – she had control and she was bad ass in her control and understanding of the situation. I am so happy she has been Assistant Fire Chief.”
In fact, there were so many side conversations with Opliger – plus she was “holding court” with the others – that it took many requests for her to come inside to start her retirement party. She is a hugger and got many hugs in return from all.
Many mentioned the positive ways she dealt with events and the positive ways she treated others while maintaining positive leadership.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, after 17 years in the U.S. Forest Service,” Opliger said, “I could manage a wildland fire but I had to ask how to ‘do’ a building. I asked everyone, ‘Why do you do it that way?’ until I knew. I learned from you, and we’ve all learned from each other. You embraced me in County Fire, and it has been fantastic.
Jack Cooperman, president of Rim Special Athletes, and Kat Opliger at her retirement party.
“It has been nice to see the department grow by leaps and bounds. We as a department know where we are going and now growing and see the opportunities. Continue to mentor each other and it will improve our future,” she added.
“Our book is still to be written,” Opliger said. “We are a melting pot of all the others, so when you have a great idea, speak up and contribute to our future. We are evolving into a great department.”
Opliger’s future looks bright; she has a new pottery studio, where she can work with clay after her needed knee surgery. Her husband, Rocky, will also be retiring soon after 13 years in the La Verne Fire Department and, after 36 years in firefighting, he plans on perfecting his fly-fishing techniques.
“I was so proud to have been a part of this department; here we have unlimited possibilities. We are a team, we work together. The best ideas come from in the field,” Opliger said.
Each of her co-workers had positive things to say about her and her dedication to duty and her workers: “Kat was the qualified person, and she got it done.” “Her philosophy was to take care of all people and teach them everything in your knowledge base. The best philosophy is to share anything you know and don’t be intimidated by anyone, even if they are your boss.” The best statement was “Kat wasn’t a boss, she was a leader.”
Opliger is now looking forward to spending more time in her pottery room and with her grandchildren. Her final statement to all was, “Take care of each other.”
Kat Opliger surrounded by well-wishers at her retirement party.
0 Comments