FRESNO FIRE DEPARTMENTSWEARING-IN CEREMONY
04/27/2007
WHAT: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR 17 NEW FIREFIGHTERS
WHEN: FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007
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 17 new firefighters to the Fresno Fire Department. The firefighters will be sworn in Friday, April 27, at 9:30 a.m., in the City of Fresno Council Chambers. The 17 firefighters successfully completed the Fire Department’s intensive 17-week drill school. Following is a brief background of each new firefighter.
Firefighter Michael R. Alvarez – Firefighter Alvarez graduated from Sierra High School in Tollhouse, after which he attended Fresno City College. He was previously employed with the U.S. Forest Service for ten years as a wildland firefighter. He worked on a Type III engine for three years and a Helitack crew for seven years. His favorite hobbies are golfing, fishing, and family activities. Firefighter Alvarez is honored and privileged to have been given the opportunity to chase his childhood dream to be part of a department with a rich tradition and a bright future. He looks forward to becoming a member of the Fresno Fire Department family.
Firefighter George J. Arthur – Firefighter Arthur is originally from Easton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Oliver Ames High School. Two years ago he moved to Fresno and went through the Fresno City Fire Academy. His past work experience includes jobs with Home Depot and UPS. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing and hiking. Firefighter Arthur has always admired firefighters for their bravery and willingness to help those in need. He is thankful for the opportunity to make his contribution to the Fresno Fire Department and is excited to be part of the team.
Firefighter Jeffrey T. Becknall – Firefighter Becknall grew up in Morgan Hill, California, and graduated from Live Oak High School. He attended and graduated from Cal Poly, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked as a paid-call firefighter with the California Department of Forestry and as a project manager for PG&E. He also has experience in construction. His hobbies include camping, hiking, team sports, and snow sports. Firefighter Becknall has always admired and respected the way firefighters sacrifice in order to make other people’s lives better. Now he has a chance to do just that. He is excited to become part of this tradition and to serve in this progressive and respected department.
Firefighter Daniel J. Corrigan – Firefighter Corrigan was born and raised in Hayward, California, and graduated from Morean Catholic High School. After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, he worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a manager of yard operations in East Los Angeles. Three years later, he took a position with Honeywell International as an engineer in Torrance. His hobbies include automotive restoration, motorcycle riding, water skiing, and surfing. Firefighter Corrigan is honored for the opportunity to become part of the Fresno Fire Department and looks forward to serving the community.
Firefighter Peter A. Curtis – Firefighter Curtis was born in Bangor, Maine, and moved to North Fork, California, in 1976. After graduating from Sierra High School, he attended California State University, Fresno. His father fought fires with the U.S. Forest Service and his father-in-law fought fires with the Fresno Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry. His hobbies include fishing, skiing, soccer, and music. Firefighter Curtis relishes the opportunity to carry on the family tradition with the Fresno Fire Department. He loves the physical challenge and the sense of accomplishment through teamwork.
Firefighter Kevin D. Hughes – Firefighter Hughes grew up in Pleasanton, California. He attended U.S. Davis and received a Bachelor of Science degree. He has worked as a professional trainer, as well as a civilian Health and Fitness Program Specialist with the Sacramento Fire Department. His hobbies include triathlon (Ironman), water skiing, and snow skiing. Firefighter Hughes is so excited about the opportunity to live his dream and become a firefighter with the Fresno Fire Department and serve the citizens of the community. He looks forward to meeting and learning from the personnel who work for the agency that strives to set the standard of excellence in the fire service.
Firefighter Kevin D. Kos – Firefighter Kos has lived in Fresno for 16 years and graduated from Clovis West High School. He also attended Moorpark College in Ventura County. He is a two-time Junior College All American as a defensive nose guard. He earned a scholarship to the University of Louisville (Kentucky). He recently completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in business management at Fresno Pacific University and earned his single-subject teaching credential in physical education. His previous jobs include aviation refueling, advertising sales, truck driving, and hauling. In his spare time, he loves to hike and run. Firefighter Kos is proud to represent one of the best fire departments in this great country and is eager to serve the wonderful citizens.
Firefighter Fernando D. Lopez – Firefighter Lopez grew up in Carpinteria, California, where he attended high school. He also attended Santa Barbara City College and Oxnard College. He received his Associate degree in Fire Science and attended the fire academy at Oxnard College. He volunteered at the Santa Paula Fire Department. His hobbies include camping, sports, working on cars, and working out. Ever since he was a young boy, his dream was to become a firefighter. After a few years of very hard work, Fresno has given him the opportunity to fulfill his dream. Firefighter Lopez considers it an honor to work for this department and plans to be here for the next 30 years.
Firefighter Gabriel R. Lopez – Firefighter Lopez is originally from Madera and graduated from Furman High School. He also attended Merced City College and Fresno City College. His past experience includes paid-call firefighter with the Madera County Fire Department and sales/service of fire equipment with All Star Fire Equipment Company. His hobbies include riding quads with his family at Pismo Beach. Firefighter Lopez cannot wait to take everything he has learned from drill school and apply it in the field.
Firefighter Justin G. McDonald – Firefighter McDonald was born and raised in Fresno and is a graduate of Buchanan High School. He attended Bringham Young University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in history. He worked one season in a wildland hand crew and has experience in real estate and teaching (bilingual). In his free time, Firefighter McDonald enjoys working out and all sports. He is extremely excited to be a part of the Fresno Fire Department.
Firefighter Aaron P. Panfilio – Firefighter Panfilio grew up in Susanville, California, and attended college in Seattle, Washington, where he received a BA degree. He received his AS degree in Fire Technology and academy training from Santa Ana College. His past experience includes bicycle mechanics, social work, and instructing for the American Red Cross. Firefighter Panfilio loves the outdoors and is looking forward to visiting Yosemite. He is excited and honored to begin his firefighting career with the Fresno Fire Department and is thankful for the opportunity.
Firefighter Jason T. Rider – Firefighter Rider is the department’s first, third generation firefighter. The Rider family began their dedication to service in 1942, when Jason’s grandfather Henry Troy Rider was sworn in as a firefighter. Later, Jason’s father Clayton T Rider followed in his father’s footsteps, taking the department’s oath “to protect, and put service above all else” in 1967. Both Jason’s grandfather, and father retired from the department as Battalion Chiefs with more than 60 years combined service to the citizens of Fresno.
Jason Rider grew up in Fresno and attended Bullard High School. He received a BA (Liberal Studies) from Fresno State and an AS (Fire Science) from Fresno City College. He previously worked as a paid-call firefighter for Fresno County Station 86, as well as for American Ambulance. His outside interests include working out at the gym, football, and snowboarding. Firefighter Rider is excited and blessed to be here. He will push forward and work hard to contribute to the Fresno Fire Department.
Firefighter Greg A. Rouer – Firefighter Rouer grew up in Wisconsin and attended Quartz Hill High School. He received his AS degree from Antelope Valley College. He also attended the Oxnard Fire Academy. He has firefighting experience with the U.S. Forest Service and Los Angeles County as a hand crew. He enjoys watching and playing sports and spending time with family. Firefighter Rouer is very happy and excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Fresno Fire Department and to serve the people of Fresno.
Firefighter DeWayne Scott – Firefighter Scott grew up in Fresno. He graduated from Edison High School and attended Fresno State. His work experience includes seven years as a shipping and receiving supervisor for Producers Dairy, as well as four years as a real estate loan officer. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family. Firefighter Scott is fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a firefighter.
Firefighter Michael A. S’gro – Firefighter S’gro was born and raised in the
San Fernando Valley. He graduated from Chatsworth High School. He moved to the Bay Area in 1991 to pursue his career as a firefighter, while working as a union electrician. His past fire experience includes three years as a seasonal firefighter and five years as a full-time city firefighter. In his free time, he enjoys motorcycle riding and spending time with his family. Firefighter S’gro looks forward to upholding the exceptional values and morals of Fresno Fire. He is honored with the opportunity to continue his firefighting career with the Fresno Fire Department.
Firefighter Shannon L. Swillis – Firefighter Swillis grew up in Fresno and attended Bullard High School. He attended the University of Southern California and Fresno State and earned a BA in Communications. His work experience includes juvenile and adult detentions. His hobbies are sports, especially basketball. Firefighter Swillis’ goal is to be a constant role model for his family and in the process wear his helmet and badge with honor.
Firefighter Nick R. VanderMeer – Firefighter VanderMeer grew up in Fresno and attended Hoover High School. He also attended Fresno City College. His past fire experience includes four seasons with the California Department of Forestry. He also worked for Donaghy Sales and Pelco. His hobbies include all sports. Firefighter VanderMeer is excited to be a part of the Fresno Fire Department.