By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue announced the promotion of two firefighters among their ranks on July 2.
Boasting over 35 years in fire service, Captain John E. Warren has been promoted from the rank of lieutenant. A second generation Seven Lakes firefighter, Dakota Griffin has been promoted from the rank of firefighter to lieutenant.
“Capt. Warren and Lt. Griffin have been promoted based on their individual merit, qualifications, and experience,” said Captain Tim Bouchelle. “They go above and beyond expectations on a daily basis for our department and community. Both are highly capable officers able to handle both emergency screens and community interactions. We are proud to have them representing our department in their new roles.”
Griffin has been with Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue since 2015, although he grew up around the station. Watching his father serve the community drew him to this line of work. He developed a passion for the job from an early age and is proud to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before him.
As a lieutenant, Griffin’s responsibilities will include fire suppression, rescue and emergency services to citizens and visitors in the Seven Lakes fire protection district. When not on the job, he enjoys spending time with his grandpa and playing golf.
The most rewarding part of his job, he said, is the ability to help others and the brotherhood that comes from being a part of an excellent group of people. He feels privileged to serve the members of Seven Lakes who do so much for the fire department and the community at large. His advice to keep the larger community safe is to teach fire safety at a young age to educate the youth of fire safety and fire escape plans what to do and who to call in the case of an emergency.
While Warren has been with Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue for three years, he has a total of 40 years in the fire service. His drive to help people and to serve drew him to this career. He enjoys being a helper and being there for people when no one else is.
His responsibilities include managing station operations and engine company operations. He oversees all fire operations in the absence of the Chief.
In his spare time, Warren attends fire schools to better himself but also enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling. He serves in the U.S. Army Reserves. The most rewarding aspect of the job is seeing the smile on a little kid’s face when they see the fire engine and when he hears his granddaughter say she is going to be a fireman like him when she grows up.
His advice for public safety is to aways plan things out before you do them and if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask.
Seven Lakes Fire and Rescue will host a community appreciation night on Sept. 6 at the firehouse, 718 Seven Lakes Drive, for a chance to meet and greet residents. Food trucks will begin serving at 5 p.m. and the Sandband will perform from 6-9 p.m.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
