Fire Chief Shane Stocking and the South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue Commissioners are proud to award Full-
Time Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Wahlman with the Lifesaving Medal for Valor. FF/PM Wahlman is the first
recipient of this award in SPOFR’s young history.
FF/PM Wahlman was formally recognized at the regularly scheduled SPOFR Commissioner meeting on
Thursday, January 15th.
“On November 15th, 2025, South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue career firefighter/paramedic Nick Wahlam was
enjoying vacation in Hawaii, accompanied by family and friends including Steven’s County Medical Program
Director/Physician Ethan Deckert. On a beach outside of Kihei, Maui, FF/PM Wahlman noticed a pair of adult
males struggling in the water. Without hesitation, FF/PM Wahlman jumped into the water and made it to the
pair, where he noticed one was turning blue and not breathing. FF/PM Wahlman was able to bring the
individual to shore where he found the victim to be in cardiac arrest. Suspecting a possible drowning, FF/PM
Wahlman, being joined by Dr. Deckert began administering high quality CPR, and continued to direct
resuscitation efforts after being joined by Maui County Fire Department lifeguards. Due to their efforts, based
off experience and a high level of training, FF/PM Wahlman and Dr. Deckert were able to regain pulses by the
time of arrival of Maui County Fire Department and ambulance resources.
It is the expectation that South Pend Oreille firefighters train and perform to be “difference makers” and be
ready for the “one chance” they may get to impact a life. However, it is going above and beyond the call of
duty to leave your family and put yourself at risk while on personal vacation.
South Pend Oreille leadership finds Nick Wahlman to be absolutely deserving of recognition, as he represented
the highest in both SPOFR standards and personal.”
In Service,
Shane G Stocking
Fire Chief/Paramedic
South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue
