With a recent retirement, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District announced the name of a new battalion chief, and he is no stranger to the district.

Capt. Bryce Cranch was promoted to fill the vacancy left by retiring battalion chief Rich Nalder, according to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD). He has assumed responsibilities for B Shift and the duties of EMS chief.

Cranch is a 13-year veteran of the district, having started as a firefighter/paramedic before rising to the position of captain.

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Under Cranch’s leadership, the district’s public education program has expanded with partner agencies and developed a strong working relationship with local educators, according to TDFPD.

In 2011, the Tahoe-Douglas Rotary recognized Cranch with its Community Hero Award.

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In 2013, Cranch served as a training captain — a position designed to aid in coordinating the training efforts for 12 firefighters who were hired using grant funding, according to TDFPD.

Cranch was placed in a leadership role at the regional fire academy, where he was responsible for the administrative functions of the 29-cadet academy. Following the successful academy, he was tasked with developing a curriculum for TDFPD’s first engineer academy and captain academy. He took the lead in the subsequent engineer and captain tests, developing locations, scenarios, score sheets, drill narratives and scripts.

“Bryce is committed to teaching and mentoring others, leading by example, and maintaining a positive and professional attitude in even the most challenging, chaotic, and emotional situations,” states a statement from the district.

Cranch earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University, attended paramedic school with Truckee Meadows Community College, and obtained an associate of applied science degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University.