LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Two Lake County Fire Protection District firefighters received special honors during a ceremony earlier this month.

Kyle Shields, 33, was awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Lake County Volunteer Firefighters Association during an awards ceremony on Saturday April 20.

Shields has been a professional firefighter with the Lake County Fire Protection District for 15 years as an engineer mechanic.

Shields enjoys working his tree trimming business in his spare time and was recently engaged to Angel Beecher.

Kyle Valenzuela, 23, was awarded Rookie of the Year at the ceremony.

Valenzuela is proud of the recognition and vows to continue his volunteer service to the community. Valenzuela enjoys spending time with his grandparents and time at the fire station learning new skills.

Battalion Chief Charlie Diener presented the awards.