Mark Hunter named Palm Springs “Firefighter of the Year”
The City’s latest “Employee Spotlight” for Palm Springs Community Television features Mark Hunter, Palm Springs “Firefighter of the Year.”
A 27-year employee of the Fire Department assigned to the Airport, Hunter’s peers recently chose him as “Firefighter of the Year” after he performed the Heimlich maneuver on an elderly woman choking on her food at a local restaurant – and saved her life.
Palm Springs firefighter Bob Yturralde, who nominated Hunter for the prestigious award, said no one would have ever known about his heroic act if it weren’t for the fact that Hunter’s girlfriend spilled the beans.
“Mark’s a real humble guy, he never told any of us,” Yturralde said. “So when I found out, I did a little research on the incident and nominated him.”
Hunter is a model firefighter much-loved and respected by his peers, according to Palm Springs Fire Chief Blake Goetz.
“To win Firefighter of the Year is an honor, but when it comes from the guys you work with, it’s exceptional,” Goetz said. “I’m so proud of Mark.”
However, according to Hunter, he was just doing his job.
“We’re firefighters all the time… it’s just a day in the life,” the humble firefighter said.
To view the latest “Employee Spotlight,” just tune in to Palm Springs Community Television, Channel 17 at the bottom of the hour – except when other programming is normally scheduled.
Additionally, the segment can also be viewed by visiting the City’s Web site at www.palmspringsca.gov and clicking on Palm Springs Community Television.