Kevin Mefford
Hydroelectric Plant Electrician I
Department of Water Resources
11/22/2012
Special Service Award (Silver)
On November 22, 2012, at approximately 7:32 a.m., Hydroelectric Plant Electrician I Kevin Mefford, a volunteer firefighter with the Butte County Fire Department, responded to problems at the Ronald B. Robie Thermalito Pumping Generating Plant. Thick smoke was filling the interior of the 500 foot long, five story building. It was Thanksgiving Day and the plant was unmanned.
Mr. Mefford worked at the plant for 19 years and was familiar with it. He acted as a guide for his fellow firefighters and they made at least eight attacks on the fire as it kept re-igniting and spreading. Some firefighters became low on air and one became tangled in cables as the smoke eliminated visibility. In the dark, smoky, confusing and often dangerous situation, Mr. Mefford helped them avoid many hazards including electrical equipment, confined spaces, stored lubricants and many feet of wiring.
The next day, although the fire was not extinguished, Mr. Mefford donned his firefighting gear again to assess the situation on each floor. Without Mr. Mefford’s heroic service, the plant probably would have been lost.