Captain Paramedic Kemp Quackenbush has served the Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical Department for 21 years. A technical rescue and hazardous materials specialist with Squad 141, he brings skill, leadership, and a deep commitment to his crew and community.

In March 2026, while vacationing with his family in Newport Beach, Kemp saw a young boy caught in a dangerous rip current near a rock jetty. Without rescue equipment or backup, he entered the water and brought the child to safety through crashing waves, suffering bruised ribs and severe cuts himself.

Kemp’s service extends beyond emergency calls. For more than 17 years, he has served in labor leadership, advocating for fellow firefighters through Northwest Valley Fire Fighters Association Local 4361. After the ocean rescue, he spoke openly with his crew about its emotional toll, setting an example of the peer support he encourages throughout the fire service.

His courage, commitment to fellow firefighters, and willingness to serve even while off duty embody the spirit of the Firefighter of the Year Award and its 2026 theme, “Beyond the Call.”