After his recent promotion to fire apparatus engineer, Kalvn McFarland, left, poses with Susanville Fire Department Chief James Moore. Photo by Ashley Grogan
After serving for the Susanville Fire Department for the past 14 years, Kalvn McFarland has been promoted to the rank of fire apparatus engineer on Dec. 5.
According to a statement from the fire department, McFarland started his career with the department as an explorer in 2002, also serving as a Lieutenant in the post. He joined the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department in November 2006.
Upon graduating from high school in 2006, he decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic.
In April 2008, McFarland was hired as a paid full-time firefighter. He was then deployed to Afghanistan with C co 1-168th GSAB out of Mather, California as the Blackhawk helicopter mechanic, returning home in November 2009.
He returned to his position as a firefighter I for the next four years, before serving a second tour of duty in Afghanistan with C-168th GSAB as a Blackhawk medevac crew chief in February 2013 until April 2014.
By August 2014, McFarland was promoted to the rank of firefighter II, in which he worked in full capacity until his most recent promotion.
McFarland was born and raised in Susanville. He and his wife, Melissa, have a 3-year-old son named Jaxon.
