City Council - workshop

All right. Test, test. All right, good evening, everyone. If we could go ahead and have everyone quiet down. I just want to thank everyone for being here tonight. It's 5 p.m. It is also Tuesday on the Creek. Tonight we're going to have a workshop. We appreciate everyone that is here tonight supporting your family, friends, or coworkers, that we're going to be going through a fire pinning and promotion and police pinning promotion tonight. All right, we've got some radio talk there. You know, it's such a wonderful opportunity to see everyone here tonight, all these amazing first responders we have that serve our city each and every day. You know, an important part of that job is not only doing your day-to-day duties, but is the wonderful opportunity to either come onto the force as a new officer, new firefighter, be promoted so with that it's very exciting tonight we just want to remind everyone that our officers and firefighters do a great job serving our community and i would imagine council agrees we are extremely grateful for their service to the city of caldwell and our constituents also constantly remind us of that same gratefulness that they have so with that i'm going to go ahead and turn it over to our current Chief of Police, T.J. Thomas, and, of course, sorry, Fire Chief Daniels. All right, we'll go with Fire Department first. We'll let you beat into the scene.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Sorry that my back is towards you, but, again, we're here for these folks today. My name is Brian Daniels. I'm the Fire Chief of the Caldwell Fire Department, and thank you for being here tonight. I'll be joined by Deputy Chief of Operations, Matt Shoup, and Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention and our Fire Marshal, Alan Perry, to help with this momentous night. Welcome to the safest room in Caldwell. Before we recognize each of these individuals tonight, I just want to say a few words about what promotion means in the fire service. It's one of the most important moments in a firefighter's career. The badge may change, the helmet may change, and the expectations certainly change, but promotion is not really about rank, it is about responsibility. It means that the organization is trusting you with more. More responsibility for our firefighters, more for their safety and development, more responsibility for our citizens and our community. And really, it's about more responsibility about protecting the culture of the Caldwell Fire Department and our reputation. When we promote somebody, we're saying we trust that person to lead. When things are difficult, to make decisions when the answer is not obvious, to take care of our people and to leave this organization better than you found it. And nobody reaches a moment like this alone. To the families here tonight, I want you to know that we recognize your contributions, both police and fire. that you have lived through missed dinners, interrupted holidays, late night phone calls, overtime shifts, training days, overtime shifts, promotional studying, and all the other moments when this profession has asked something from your family, like overtime shifts. This is why we believe the pinning of a badge by a family member is one of the best traditions that we have in the fire service. The badge represents an accomplishment by the firefighter, but hands pinning, it often represent the people who helped to get them there. Tonight, we celebrate both, both our families and our traditions. With that, I will call Captain Buzzell to stand right by me. I'm sorry. Yes, he's still a captain. I met Battalion Chief Buzzell. Battalion Chief Buzzell. Matt Buzzell began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter in 1999. He went on to serve with US Forest Service in the Descano Ranger Unit before joining the Lakeside Fire Protection District in 2002 as a firefighter paramedic. During his career there, Matt promoted through the ranks to engineer and eventually captain. Then in 2022, Matt did something that says a great deal about who he is. After more than two decades in the fire service and having already earned the rank of captain, he came to Caldwell Fire and was willing to start again as an entry-level firefighter paramedic. Matt brought his experience with him, but he never acted as though his past entitled him to anything here. He went to work here in the respect of our people. He became involved in EVOC training and the county's MCI policy. served a brief stint in the training division as a captain, and demonstrated a leadership that is not really written on his collar. It is something that he demonstrates every day. Today, Matt once again assumes the responsibility of leadership within the fire service, but this time as a battalion chief. Outside of the station, Matt enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, hunting, attempting to golf, seen it and perhaps most importantly being a cheer dad and supporting his daughters at their competitions and events matt's daughter amber will have the honor of pinning his badge today his wife sandra and his mother-in-law are also here to celebrate with him come on up amber Oh, Chief. I got something for you. A little souvenir. I want to make sure you get this.

Do a good job, okay?

Now you will. Captain Isaac Blundell. Isaac Blundell has dedicated 13 years of his life to the fire service, including the last six with Caldwell Fire. During that time, Isaac has consistently invested in becoming a more capable firefighter and strengthening this department. He serves on our technical rescue, swift water rescue, and hazardous materials teams, demonstrating a willingness to take on some of the most technically demanding responsibilities within our organization. Promotion means that that the experience Isaac has built over the past years comes with a new responsibility, developing firefighters around him. That is one of the most important jobs of a company officer. A captain sets the tone at the station, on the apparatus, and on the scene. Our firefighters deserve leaders who know them, challenge them, support them, and bring them home safely. I'm confident Isaac understands that responsibility. Away from the firehouse, Isaac enjoys running, biking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Julia, and their dog, Avila. Say that right. I don't want her to be upset. Today, Julia will pin Isaac's new captain's badge.

Applause

Oh, everybody, yeah. Mayor? Captain Theo Rich. Captain Theo Rich has served in the fire service for nine years and has spent the last four serving the city of Caldwell. Theo is a member of our rope rescue team and has established himself as someone willing to take on additional responsibility continue learning and contribute to the capability of this department. Today represents another step in that journey for Theo. As Theo moves into this leadership role, he carries forward not only his own experience, but also a connection to the history and traditions of this department. That connection is especially meaningful today because Theo is surrounded by his family, including his wife, Amanda, his mother, Ingrid, retired Caldwell fire captain, Rich Wheaton, who is also his uncle, and other family members and siblings who are here to celebrate with him. Theo spends much of his time away from the station in the mountains, but today we are grateful that he and his family are here with us today. His uncle, Rich Wheaton, will have the honor of pinning his badge tonight.

Okay, sorry.

Captain Cody Dean. Cody Dean has spent 10 years in the fire service, including eight years with the Glendale Fire Department and the last two years with Caldwell. Since arriving at Caldwell, Cody has quickly become invested in where this organization is going. He is involved, he was involved, has been involved in the development of the paramedic program and serves on our wellness committee, two areas that directly contribute to the future health capability and professionalism of our department. That willingness to invest in something bigger than yourself is an important quality in a leader. Cody now has the opportunity to opportunity to influence the next generation of Caldwell firefighters, and with that opportunity comes an obligation to lead by example, maintain high standards, and take care of the people entrusted to him. Outside of work, Cody's greatest responsibility is at home. He and his wife, Lauren, are raising two children, Addison and Hudson, who love stickers. He also enjoys training in the gym, archery, elk hunting in September, and waterfowl hunting during the winter. Today, Lauren Addison and Hudson will pin Cody's batch.

Amen.

Engineer Jeffrey Krostowski. I don't know how I missed you back there. Welcome to the show.

Are you on duty today?

Oh, let's see. Jeffrey Krostowski joined the Caldwell Fire Department in 2024 and currently serves as a member of our hazardous materials team. In a relatively short period of time within our organization, Jeffrey has demonstrated the commitment and capability necessary to take this next step in his career. As Jeffrey moves into his new role, the expectation is the same one we place on every person we promote. Remember where you came from. Take care of your people. Get them home safely. Continue learning and never allow the rank to become more important than the responsibilities behind it. Outside of the department, Jeffrey enjoys camping and spending time outdoors with his wife, Shay, and their children, Kelly and Lane. Laney? Lane. Lane. Today, Shay, Kelly, and Lane will have the honor of pinning Jeffrey's new engineer's badge. Here they come. There's the big guy. There's the big guy.

Ready? One, two, three.

Lastly, someone who couldn't be with us tonight, engineer Jesus Gutierrez. Although he can't be here for the ceremony, his accomplishment deserves the same recognition. A promotion is not defined by the ceremony or the badge pinning. It is earned through the work that came before it and demonstrated through the leadership that follows it. Jesus has earned this opportunity and we're proud of his service to Caldwell Fire, proud of his accomplishment and look forward to recognizing him personally. Congratulations, Engineer Jesus Gutierrez. In closing, to each of you promoting today, I want you to remember something. We want you to remember something. We didn't promote you simply because of what you've already accomplished. We promoted you because of what you believe, what we believe you are capable of doing next. Take care of your people. Hold the standard. teach the next generation, be willing to have those difficult conversations, give people an opportunity to succeed, even if they fail while doing it, and never forget that leadership in the fire service is a privilege. To the families that are here tonight, thank you. These promotions belong to you as well. Thank you for the nights, weekends, holidays, and countless hours you have given to this profession. without ever wearing that uniform. And to Matt, Isaac, Theo, where'd you go? He's back there. Cody and Jesus, hopefully watching live with Jeffrey. There he is. Congratulations to all of you fine gentlemen. Thank you. We'll call you guys up for a picture with the mayor and council.

Stand right here in the line.

Thank you, Chief, for that. And until tonight, the fire department beat the police department to the promotion. So with that, before we move on to Chief Thomas, just real quick, can we give a round of applause for all the family in the room? Don't forget. And friends, you are absolutely part of each and every day, so we appreciate the sacrifice that you give too. So with that, Chief Thomas and crew.

Everyone, thank you for being here tonight. First off, I'd like to thank all the men and women here in uniform for the service they do provide. With that, I'd like to turn to the families. Chief Daniels said that our careers have ups and downs, bad days, some good days, and some really bad days. And without your support, people won't be able to get through it. So you stand here today and for those new families here who are seeing this for the first time, you'll understand that your support is much necessary for them to get through a long career at this. So we thank you for that, each and every one of you. Can we have the officers who are getting sworn in come on up? We'll stand up here and we'll go through each one. Also, let me, I guess I should introduce myself, I'm sorry. Council, Mayor, thank you for having us. My name is T.J. Thomas. I'm the captain, interim chief for the Caldwell Police Department. And I actually did not forget my badge. Just so you guys know, somebody's looking at me going, oh, that poor guy forgot his badge. What's he doing up there? But actually, I'm getting sworn in, too. Six months ago, I got promoted. I missed the last swearing in, so I was getting promoted. I was doing the pinning this time. So just I don't want anybody to be concerned because I know that was probably a big concern out there. First, let me start off with Lieutenant Peterson. Can you step up here, Jeff? Lieutenant Peterson began his career in law enforcement with Albuquerque Police Department in January of 2000. In 2018, he retired and moved his family to Idaho and began working at the Idaho Attorney General's Office before becoming to the Caldwell Police Department. Jeff has worked in many positions with law enforcement and has over 15 years of supervisor experience. He holds a master's degree in education and currently assigned to the Investigation Bureau at the Colorado Police Department. Jeffrey was promoted to lieutenant on May 3rd of this year. He is here tonight with his wife, Carrie, and your two sons, Stephen and Lucas, his daughter, Riley, Could not be here at night because she's away at college, which you just took her to, right? Like a couple of weeks ago, yeah. So you have anybody else, any friends? You want to call your wife up?

Yep, she's here.

Oh, there she is. Sorry. Take a picture. This isn't fair. This is the notes I got. I asked for a bigger font because obviously I need glasses to read. All right. Sergeant Juanes, please stand up here, please. I'm going to try to go through this note, these little sticky notes that they gave me. You can't read it. Okay, thank you. Sergeant Juanes. Has been with the Caldwell Police Department for 10 plus years. He's worked patrol, SROs, detectives. He specifically enjoys CPMU, that's our horse mounting unit, the drones, and polygraphs. You got family and friends here you'd like to? My wife and daughters are here, sir.

Can you introduce them? Yeah, so Michaela and then my oldest, Cora, and youngest, Sophia.

Nice. And who's pinning you?

My wife, Michaela, will be pinning me.

Michaela, you want to come up? Where's she at? Sorry. All right, Corporal Zell. Step on up, sir. Corporal Zell joined the Colwell Police Department in September of 24 and brings more than 13 years of law enforcement experience to the position. His backgrounds include patrol, investigations, field training officer, crime scene investigator, DUI enforcement, arson investigator, and hostage negotiator. He has previously served in a supervisor role and also brings experienced leadership, experience from owning and operating a custom home construction business. He currently serves as B. Knights Corporal. For those who don't know, that's our weekends, Friday, Saturday, busy shift. And who, is your family here?

My wife, Lorana, is here. Come up, Lorana.

Officer Ethnia Stressel originally came to us as a community service officer in June of 25 and made the transition to sworn police officer in July of this year. She has lived in Idaho for three years now. One of her favorite parts of living here is being able to explore the outdoors. She is constantly looking for new places to visit and friends and family. She has always planned on being a law enforcement officer, so this dream has come true for her. She's looking forward to continuing her service in this community and is currently at the academy and doing well. So that's a good job. Do you have family and friends?

Yeah, I have my sister and my brother, and my brother's going to put on my badge.

All right.

You're welcome. Thank you.

Good. Oscar Nolan grew up in Nampa, graduated from Nampa High. Sorry, it's another one of those little sticky notes.

That's my handwriting.

Oh, is it? Okay.

Serving the Navy.

Oh, serving the Navy for eight and a half years? Married to?

Best woman ever.

Best woman ever. She's here. She's here. Nice. You have a total of six kids? Yeah. That's correct. All right. And loves God and family. That's it. God bless you. Thank you.

Friends or family.

My mom's here. My sister Jocelyn. My son Rexton. My son Liam. One of my sons is out there. My sister Jocelyn. My niece Brecken. My nephew Bram. And then Opal and baby Cora will pin.

Alright. Cutie. All right. Community service officer Cassie Hughes is currently serving as community service officer. As an Idaho native, she has been have seen the city grown and expand over the last several years. She graduated from Valley View High School in 2024. Since then, she has been pursuing her associate's degree in criminal justice from College of Western Idaho and will be graduating in December. She has a passion for coaching volleyball, which she played her whole life. She loves connecting with young girls while helping them become the best players and people that they can be. Cassidy is thankful for the opportunity she has been given at Caldwell Police Department and wants to get her career started. She is eager to see where this journey takes her. She is joined by her... I'm going to let you introduce your family. Do you want to sign out there? Do you want to introduce them for us?

I have my mom, Rebecca, my dad, Donald, my sister, Delaney, my boyfriend, Brian, and then the woman who inspired my law enforcement career, my great-grandma, Bernice.

Oh, awesome. Thank you.

Quick picture? Quick picture?

Everyone.

Come on. Whoever wants to come, real quick. How you doing, sir?

All right, Thomas Shanahan.

currently serving as a community service officer. He is a Marine, a veteran and trained EMT with a passion in serving others and helping the community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, shooting, fishing, or off-roading. He's a proud Eagle Scout, wow, congratulations, an experience that helped sharp his leadership, resilience, and commitment to service. At home, Life stays busy with his four animals, who are also part of the adventure. He looks forward to serving alongside everyone here and getting to know everybody.

Do you have family members?

This word gets a little awkward, so I got to kind of do myself, so I'll keep it short and sweet. I know I board my father and my brother, who are retired fire chief and fire captain, so they were probably excited when the fire guys were up here, and then the police came up here and I got bored. I have a lot of years in law enforcement. I'm a Obviously, been here for about three years. I came here as a patrol lieutenant and got promoted six months ago as captain, and now I'm currently doing the interim chief job. So I'll keep it at that, short and sweet, and I appreciate everybody being here. I'd like to ask my wife and daughters and son to come up to pin me, please.

Thank you.

That's all I have. Council, Mr. Mayor, if you have anything. Thank you all. Appreciate it.

Test, test. All right, thank you, everyone, for coming tonight. That concludes tonight's workshop of our police and fire promotions and pinnings. Thank you, Chief Daniels, Acting Chief Thomas. See you back at 6 o'clock.