On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, the City of South Lake Tahoe will join other Lake Tahoe basin agencies and the state of California in honoring fallen United States Forest Service Firefighter Michael Hallenbeck, from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit by lowering flags to half-staff. Firefighter Hallenbeck, 21 years of age, lost his life on August 8th after being struck by a falling tree while battling the Sierra Fire. Services will be held in Shingle Springs on Saturday August 15th. Flags will remain at half-staff until services are held.
Firefighter Hallenbeck's loss of life is evidence of the serious dangers and risks firefighters face every time they answer the call. The City joins many other agencies and the public in sending condolences to Michael Hallenbeck's family; he is survived by his parents, Toni and Kirby Hallenbeck, and his sister Jessica Hallenbeck.