California Professional Firefighters

CPF Secretary-Treasurer Honored with California’s Distinguished Service Medal

A member of California Professional Firefighter’s top brass was awarded some hardware of his own this past year, evidence of long career advocating for California’s first responders.

CPF’s Secretary-Treasurer and Chairman of the state’s Commission on Emergency Medical Services, Lew Stone, was awarded the state’s Distinguished Service Medal in December, which was presented in recognition of an EMS career that spans more than three decades.

The medal – one of the state’s top honors for EMS professionals – is reserved for individuals demonstrating “distinguished service or achievement affecting statewide EMS for an extended period of time.”

In presenting the award to Stone, the state’s Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) highlighted his more than 30-year career, during which time he has demonstrated “unique insight and knowledge of California’s EMS issues, statewide leadership and representation of public safety personnel.”

Stone began his EMS career with the Burbank Fire Department, where he served for over 30 years, 24 of them as captain. During that time, he also spent 25 years as president of Burbank Firefighters Local 778. Stone was elected CPF’s Secretary-Treasurer in 2008, after serving as the 2nd District Vice President for seven years. He began his service on the state’s Emergency Medical Services Commission in 2003, and became chair of the commission in 2014.

The award was presented during the California Emergency Medical Services Authority’s (EMSA) annual EMS Awards ceremony, where 24 Californians were honored for their various contributions to the state’s EMS system.

“It's an honor to receive this award,” Stone said. “Through my service on the state’s EMS Commission, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the interests of California's front line firefighters who continue to deliver the best in patient care. I look forward to continuing my service and leadership with their interests in mind.”

This story originally appeared in CPF’s quarterly newspaper. To access a digital version of the paper on your Apple phone or tablet, click here.