Highland, Calif. (June 4, 2025) — Mike Smith and Dino Beltz, emergency services leaders from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Fire Department (San Manuel Fire Department), received top honors this week from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) for their outstanding contributions to emergency medical care across the state.
“This award represents not the achievements of one person, but the collective accomplishments of an amazing team,” said Mike Smith, vice president of Emergency Services & Tribal Wellness. “The leadership, EMS professionals, and unwavering support of the Tribe have made this possible. Our partnerships with tribal governments, local agencies and healthcare providers are the foundation of our success.”
Mike Smith, longtime and former San Manuel Fire Chief, received the Distinguished Service Medal—one of only 10 such awards presented annually among more than 86,000 licensed EMS professionals in California. The award honors individuals whose career achievements and sustained service have had a statewide impact on emergency medical services.
Smith joined San Manuel in 2000 and became its first fire chief in 2002. He led the San Manuel Fire Department to national recognition, including achieving a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification. The department ranks among the top 1% nationwide in training, equipment, fire prevention, staffing and emergency response.
Smith created San Manuel’s Public Health and EMS departments and has been a key advocate for California Assembly Bill 798, which allows tribal fire departments to provide first-response care.
Dino Beltz, a 24-year veteran battalion chief with the San Manuel Fire Department, was named 2024 EMS Educator of the Year for the State of California. Motivated by his son Noah, who is on the autism spectrum, Beltz created the Neurodivergent Operational Awareness (NOA(h)) training program.
The initiative equips first responders with tools to better recognize and compassionately engage with neurodivergent individuals. and promotes understanding of how brain differences affect communication, behavior and thinking. The training fosters safer, more inclusive interactions between emergency personnel and individuals with special needs.
“Being a father of a child with autism has opened my eyes to the tremendous need for this type of education,” said Beltz. “Noah was the spark that started all of this. This award is an opportunity to give a voice to the special needs community and help first responders better serve them.”