Cathedral City Chief Names Firefighter of Year

Firefighter of the Year Says Last Award Received was In Fifth Grade

CATHEDRAL CITY — Like most normal people, Firefighter/Paramedic Diwan De la Torre got a twinge in his stomach when Fire Chief Michael Contreras called the 27-year-old into his office while on duty.

He suspected it might have to do with the Cadet Program or Community Risk Reduction — issues on which he and the chief regularly meet.

When he arrived in the chief’s office, Contreras showed him a helmet. De la Torre initially thought it would be the type of helmet the instructor would wear to differentiate them from those who weren’t.

“And then I saw the shield that said, ‘Firefighter of the Year,'”

“What went through your mind?” I asked.

“I teared up a little bit, truthfully,” he said quietly. “Yeah, I did. I was a product of my environment growing up. I wasn’t heading down the right path. The last award I received was in fifth grade and I didn’t get to accept the award because I made some bad decisions, and I got suspended that day. And that was the last time I had ever received any type of recognition for anything up until now.”

At the City Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Chief Contreras officially presented him the coveted award. It was a full-circle moment.

This prestigious award recognizes those who not only exemplify excellence in emergency services but also play a vital role in strengthening our department, mentoring new firefighters, and serving our community beyond the call of duty, the Chief said.

“Diwan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, commitment, and dedication,” the chief said. “A first-generation Mexican American, Diwan De la Torre was born and raised right here in Cathedral City. His parents made incredible sacrifices to provide a better future for their family, and he has embodied that same work ethic throughout his career.

“His path to the fire service was not conventional. As a young man, he faced challenges and influences that could have led him down a very different road. But instead of becoming a product of his environment, he chose a path less traveled. With the unwavering support of his family, he pursued a career in emergency services, attending EMT school, paramedic training, and fire academy, a journey that ultimately led him to his dream job with Cathedral City Fire & EMS.”

Since joining the department, Diwan has distinguished himself as a leader and mentor, dedicating his time not only to responding to emergencies but also to training new firefighters and educating the community. He has been instrumental in delivering first-class emergency preparedness training, Stop the Bleed courses, and leading our CERT program. Moreover, as one of the co-founders of the Cathedral City Firefighter Cadet Program, he has played a key role in shaping the next generation of firefighters. Diwan is a member of the departments training Cadre which oversees all members of the department ability to maintain the high standards the department demands of its people both new and existing members.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Diwan’s impact to Cathedral City is deeply personal, Contreras said. He has inspired those around him, from his fellow firefighters to his family, who stand here tonight with immense pride. For him, this award is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the support, love, and encouragement he has received from his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and his fiancée, who has been his rock every step of the way.

“Diwan, your story is a powerful reminder that with resilience, mentorship, and opportunity, a young person with no clear direction can transform into a leader, a protector, and an inspiration,” Contreras said, “Your dedication to this city, to your brothers and sisters in the fire service, and to the people we serve does not go unnoticed.”

Diwan De la Torre in his own words

De la Torre has been with CCFD for three years and has been working as a paramedic for eight years. He started his career working at a water park. Shortly after, he went to work for AMR in Palm Springs.

He vowed to never work at another city fire department other than the one in which he grew up.

“And here I am,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

“What do you mean,” I asked?

“It’s just been a long road for me, I think in my life,” De la Torre said, “That’s the truth. It does mean a lot for me and my family; just given the steps we all took to get here. Me and my family came from nothing. My parents did everything to support us. We would get boxes from the Salvation Army, and I didn’t really think much of it, government assistance, whatever type of assistance we can get. I was just a kid. I didn’t necessarily know what the extent of everything that my parents got through to get us here now.”

He is one of six children. He has a who is a mechanical engineer; two sisters, one who is a nurse and another who is in nursing school; a younger brother who works in information and system technology; and a sister who is looking to take over their father’s family business.

“The American Dream that people say and talk about is exactly what my parents were able to get for us,” he said, “So it’s surreal to say the least.”

On hand for the award presentation were his parents, fiancée, sister-in-law, nephews and more.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Hunt, Cathedral City Communications and Events Manager