The Susanville Fire Department has officially named Zach Hoffman as its 2025 Firefighter of the Year. In a heartfelt announcement, Acting Assistant Fire Chief Leon Myers praised Hoffman as an individual who embodies the spirit of service, both within the fire department and throughout the Lassen County community.
A Career Built on Passion
Hoffman’s journey to the department was one of deliberate sacrifice. In 2022, he chose to walk away from an established career to “start over” and follow a lifelong dream. Since joining the SFD, he has leveraged his background as a veteran of the United States Army to bring a disciplined sense of duty to his roles.
“Zach saw an opportunity to be hired as a firefighter for the city and, after weighing the pros and cons, made the difficult decision to walk away from the career he was building to follow his dream,” said Assistant Chief Myers. “In a short time, he has made an impact that most people take a career to achieve.”
Service Beyond the Engine Company
Hoffman’s contributions extend far beyond traditional firefighting. He is a vital member of several specialized emergency response units, including:
Tactical EMS Support: Providing medical aid for the local SWAT team during incidents and training.
Water Rescue: Serving on both the Dive and Swift Water teams for deployments across the county.
Mentorship: Acting as the lead advisor for the department’s Cadet program.
Hoffman is also a Fire Instructor at Lassen Community College, where he helps shape the next generation of first responders by sharing the fulfillment found in a life of public service.
A “Student of Fire”
Despite the demands of the job and his family life, Hoffman has remained dedicated to professional development. He has already earned an Associate’s in Fire Technology and a Bachelor’s in Fire Administration and is currently pursuing further higher education.
“He holds true to the phrase used throughout the fire service as to what we should all strive to be: Students of Fire,” Myers noted.
Community Heart
Beyond his technical skills, Hoffman is a familiar face at local charity events. Whether he is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, participating in Holiday with a Hero or teaching CPR to residents, his colleagues say he does so with a signature positive attitude.
“What truly sets Zach apart is that every single day he shows up with a smile on his face and a desire to do what it takes to make this department better,” Myers concluded. “This department is better because of you.”
