Enduring Lessons

I grew up in Summit City (City of Shasta Lake), eventually graduating from Central Valley High School.

I never thought I would go into the fire service, but during my senior year I took an ROP fire technology course located at Redding Fire Station No. 5. That pivotal experience introduced me to the fire service during the 1987 Northern California lightning siege and shaped my future career path. After high school, I attended Shasta College, earning my Firefighter 1 certification and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) credentials, which provided a strong foundation for my future.

My career pivoted again when I became a paramedic. Seeking broader experience, I moved to Palm Springs, where I served as a firefighter-paramedic before settling in El Dorado County. Over the years, I advanced through CAL FIRE, eventually leading the department’s training program and overseeing the development of over 7,000 employees.

Shasta College played a pivotal role in my education and career. Its instructors, particularly John White, and the relationships I built there helped shape who I am today. Partnerships like the one CAL FIRE shares with Shasta College remain crucial, enabling us to train the next generation of firefighters.

I was told by my mentors that you must learn something new every day. It doesn’t matter what those lessons are, you learn something new from each one. I encourage everybody to continue to pursue an education and Shasta College is a great place to start!