Tony Clarabut was  presented the 2014 Public Safety Commitment Award at the Nevada County Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Council’s Red Light Ball Saturday evening.  Clarabut,  who began his firefighter career at the age of 17, spent 35 years with  CDF before retiring in  2005, then he finished out his fire service career with another 5 years as the Fire Chief for the city of Grass Valley. During his tenure in Nevada county, in addition to his local and statewide CDF fire suppression responsibilities, Clarabut served as CDF’s plan reviewer in Nevada County, co-wrote Nevada County’s first fire protection development standards, was instrumental in the formation of the Nevada County Fire Safe Council and chaired the committee that prepared Nevada County’s initial Fire Plan.  As a battalion chief Tony also served under contact as the battalion chief for the Higgins Fire District and, for a period, the Ophir Hill Fire District and, as the Unit chief, was responsible for providing dispatch services for all fire agencies in Nevada county.

The award was presented by Sheriff Keith Royal, and former Fire Chief and current supervisor Hank Weston.
click here to listen to Hank Weston

There were some more jokes about who was  taller,   Clarabut or Sheriff Royal.

Click here to listen to Sheriff and Tony

The sheriff went on to present the award.

click here to listen to Sheriff Keith Royal

Tony Clarabut thanked the audience and the Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Council for their support of law and fire agencies.
click here to listen to Tony Clarabut
Also, The Nevada County Search and Rescue volunteers  made the evening go smoothly by  preparing and serving the meal and Sheriff Keith Royal says that added to their already busy day.

click here to listen to Keith Royal

This was the 15th annual Red Light Ball and over the years the Nevada County Law Enforcement and fire Protection council has raised around $700,000 to support local police and fire agencies .