The Golden Valley Fire Department (GVFD) is congratulating two longtime members on their recent promotions.
Lieutenant Shawn Thorud was promoted to captain. Thorud joined the department in 2014 and has served at Station 2 on the south side of the City his entire career. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2020, helping manage fire fighters, assisting with training, and leading crews on calls. As captain, he will advocate for and manage the paid-on-call staff at Sation 2, serve as an engine company crew lead for emergency response, and take an active role in developing training.
Captain Matthew Preston has been promoted to battalion chief. Preston joined the department in 2005 at Station 3 on the east side of Golden Valley and advanced through the ranks of lieutenant and captain. He transferred to Station 2 in 2021, where he served as captain until this year. As battalion chief, he will oversee scheduling and personnel, help shape department policy, and serve as incident commander during emergency operations.