The Plumas County Fire Safe Council has named Hannah Hepner as the newest recipient in the Fire Safe Recognition Program for her outstanding fire safety accomplishments in Plumas County.
The Council presented Hepner with a personalized certificate at its Sept. 14 meeting, honoring her as a community member who has demonstrated initiative and leadership through her actions and accomplishments.
Nominated by Sally McGowan, Hepner is someone who has performed an act or acted in a manner that has helped to reduce losses from wildfire.
In awarding Hepner this recognition, McGowan said, “We appreciate all your efforts and accomplishments in your tenure as <Plumas County Fire Safe Council> Program Director. You have left an indelible mark on the PCFSC, and we are grateful. We wish you the very best as you begin the next chapter of your professional life.”
Hepner is leaving the PCFSC after serving it for more than seven years. Guided by the PCFSC’s mission to reduce the loss of natural resources and human values caused by wildfire through Firewise community programs and pre-fire activities, Hepner has remained focused on developing and growing programs while seeking out funding sources that have positively impacted forest health and community safety, McGowan said.
Her accomplishments include writing many successful grants, which have funded numerous public and private fuel-reduction projects throughout Plumas County. She has grown community-based programs including the Senior, Disabled and Defensible Space, chipping, and community outreach and education. She was a founder of Plumas Underburn Cooperative. In her efforts to address ways to reduce waste and to utilize woody forest materials, she has pursued revenue generating enterprises including a firewood processing facility.
Hepner’s strength of character and intelligence have served her and the Council well, McGowan said. Her approach to challenges has been solution-based, inclusive, imaginative and collaborative. She has established supportive relationships with experts throughout a wide range of industries, agencies, and community and regional resources. She is a leader known for integrity, honesty, and respect which is reflected in a growing staff that adore her, McGowan said.
“Hannah, we appreciate all your efforts and accomplishments in your tenure as Program Director. You have left an indelible mark on the PCFSC, and we are grateful. We wish you the very best as you begin the next chapter of your professional life,” McGowan said in presenting Hepner with the award.
“You have left an indelible mark on the PCFSC, and we are grateful.”
Sally McGowan, Plumas County Fire Safe Council
Anyone can nominate a candidate they feel is deserving of this recognition. A subcommittee will then review the nominees and submit to the Board for a vote to honor the nominee(s) with a certificate. Initially the goal will be to have an announcement at the monthly meetings, which takes place the second Thursday of every month.
The nomination process and guidelines are available on the PCFSC website, www.plumasfiresafe.org, under the Recognition tab. A Certificate of Recognition will be awarded to any person, business or community that acted in a manner which helped to reduce the losses from wildfires.
For more information on all programs the Fire Safe Council has to offer please visit the PCFSC website: www.plumasfiresafe.org. There are many outreach programs outlined for assistance opportunities and Fire Preparedness.
Information submitted by Plumas County Fire Safe Council
