Daniel Joseph Laird knew early in life he wanted to be a firefighter. His 23-year career in the fire service included time as a hotshot and service in the Lewis Mill fire crew in the Tahoe National Forest. He led engine strike teams, hand crews and heavy equipment. Eventually, he rose to become a Helitack Captain with the Tahoe National Forest. Daniel was a keen fisherman, golfer, skateboarder, snowboarder, gardener and loved to spend time with his family. In March 2019, Daniel was conducting prescribed fire operations when his helicopter crashed and he died in the line of duty.