WHAT: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR EIGHT NEW FIREFIGHTERS

WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2008

TIME: 9:30 A.M.

WHERE: 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR

Fire Chief Randy R. Bruegman announces the appointment of eight new firefighters to the Fresno Fire Department. The firefighters will be sworn in Friday, January 11, 2008, at
9:30 a.m., in the Fresno City Hall Council Chambers. The eight firefighters successfully completed the fire department’s intensive 19-week drill school. Following is a brief background of each new firefighter.

Firefighter Ryan J. Bird – Firefighter Bird grew up in Sanger. He attended Sanger High School and Fresno State, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and played soccer. He worked for three years with the Arroyo Grande Fire Department as a paid-call firefighter. In his spare time he enjoys family, triathlons, sports, and the outdoors. Firefighter Bird is very excited about the opportunity and honored to be part of the Fresno Fire Department.

Firefighter Mark A. Brownell – Firefighter Brownell grew up in Southern California. He spent the last ten years in Hume Lake, working in the food service industry. He also has served as a volunteer on the Hume Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT. Firefighter Brownell considers the opportunity to become a Fresno City firefighter a great honor.

Firefighter Brian K. Downs – Firefighter Downs grew up in Washington State, just south of Seattle. He received a technical degree from Bates College in Broadcast Engineering and spent the past 13 years on staff at Hume Lake Christian Camps. Firefighter Downs is proud to have the opportunity to join this great Department and serve the city of Fresno.

Firefighter Christopher N. Edwards – Firefighter Edwards was born and raised in Fresno. He attended Clovis High School and Fresno City College, where he went through the fire academy, EMT class, and received an AS degree in fire science. His firefighting experience started with Fresno County Fire, where he was a paid-call firefighter for three years. He then proceeded with his career for another three years as a firefighter for Cal Fire in Fresno County. His hobbies include playing basketball, mountain bike riding, and camping. Firefighter Edwards is extremely excited to achieve a long-time goal of being hired by the Fresno Fire Department, where he hopes to advance further in his career and help make an impact on this community.

Firefighter Jamen K. Elliott – Firefighter Elliott was born and raised in the
San Luis Obispo area. He attended Atascadero High School, Cuesta College, and Allan Hancock College, where he went through the fire academy. His firefighting experience includes being a paid-call firefighter for Merced County for a year and working a season with Cal Fire at the Mariposa station. In his spare time he enjoys snowboarding and mountain biking. Firefighter Elliott is excited for the opportunity given him to be part of the Fresno Fire Department and looks forward to learning and serving for many years to come.

Firefighter Graham M. Ice – Firefighter Ice was born and raised in Fresno. He attended Hoover High School and Fresno City College, where he attended the fire academy. He also spent seven years serving in the Marine Corps reserves. His hobbies include camping, hiking, snow skiing, and family. Firefighter Ice is extremely honored to be serving the community in which he was raised.

Firefighter Santos Solorio – Firefighter Solorio grew up in Fresno and attended Clovis High School and Fresno State, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. Previously, he worked as a waiter through college and one semester as a high school teacher before he was given the opportunity to join the Fresno Fire Department. He enjoys spending time with his family, running, and watching sports. Firefighter Solorio is excited to have been given the opportunity to work for the Fresno Fire Department.

Firefighter Clint E. Walbeck – Firefighter Walbeck was born in Fresno. He attended Clovis High School and Fresno State, where he was part of the wrestling team and received a degree in kinesiology. After college he worked as a paid-call firefighter for Fresno County and as a seasonal firefighter for Monterey County. Firefighter Walbeck is very excited about the opportunity to be part of the Fresno Fire Department.