FRESNO FIRE DEPARTMENTSWEARING-IN CEREMONY
06/06/2008
WHAT: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR TEN NEW FIREFIGHTERS
WHEN: FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2008
TIME: 9:30 A.M.
WHERE: 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR
Fresno, CA (June 4, 2008) - Fire Chief Randy R. Bruegman announces the appointment of ten new firefighters to the Fresno Fire Department. The firefighters will be sworn in Friday, June 6, 2008, at 9:30 a.m., in the Fresno City Hall Council Chambers. The ten firefighters successfully completed the Fire Department’s intensive 18-week drill school. Following is a brief background of each new firefighter.
Firefighter Samual Barnette – Firefighter Barnette was raised in the Fresno area and graduated from Fresno High. He received his EMT training at Fresno City College and completed the Fresno City College Fire Academy in 1998. He went on to earn an Associate of Science degree in Fire Technology and later completed paramedic training. Firefighter Barnette worked one season with the CDF, two years as a paramedic with American Ambulance in Fresno and was a member of its STAR rescue team. In addition, he has worked as a firefighter/paramedic for the Selma City Fire Department and, most recently, with the Visalia City Fire Department. In his spare time, Firefighter Barnette enjoys various outdoor activities including fishing, dirt biking, hiking, and camping. He looks forward to the challenges ahead and “To Protect and Put Service Above All Else.”
Firefighter Paul M. Bertrand – Firefighter Bertrand grew up in Bakersfield and attended North High School. He received his EMT and Firefighter I certifications through Bakersfield Community College. His fire-related work experience includes two summers with the Bureau of Land Management, one year with the U.S. Forest Service in the Sequoia National Forest, and 2-1/2 years with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. When not working, he enjoys spending time with family, hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Firefighter Bertrand feels very blessed and fortunate to obtain this position with the Fresno Fire Department and will give 100 provide for the duration of his career.
Firefighter Russell A. Cramer – Firefighter Cramer grew up in Clovis and attended Clovis High. After 12-1/2 years as a service consultant and service manager for a local car dealership, Firefighter Cramer took on his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter and enrolled at the College of the Sequoias Fire Fighter Academy. After graduating from the fire academy, he worked as an account executive for a mortgage company prior to being hired by the Fresno Fire Department. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, and camping with family and friends.
Firefighter Robert A. Garcia – Firefighter Garcia was raised in Southern California and attended Long Beach and El Camino City Colleges. Firefighter Garcia went through the explorer program, and his fire-related work experience includes working on a hand crew and being a reserve firefighter. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, sports, and the outdoors. Firefighter Garcia is grateful for the opportunity to begin his firefighter career and looks forward to being able to start a family and provide for them what he did not have.
Firefighter Michael D. McIntyre – Firefighter McIntyre grew up in Inglewood and moved to Fresno in 1993. He attended Roosevelt High School and Fresno State University, where he earned a B.A. in Journalism and also played on the basketball team. In addition to basketball, Firefighter McIntyre enjoys spending time with family, golfing, softball, and other outdoor activities. He has always dreamt about having the honor of obtaining a career with the Fresno Fire Department.
Firefighter Rick Osuna – Firefighter Osuna is a Fresno native and a graduate of Hoover High School. Following high school, he served overseas in the Army. After returning home, he began college and earned a B.S. degree in Business-Management Information Systems from CSU Bakersfield. For the past 12 years, he worked in banking computer operations. Needing a change of pace and a rewarding career, he set his sights on the Fresno Fire Department. His No. 1 hobby is coaching his sons’ soccer teams.
Firefighter David C. Ramirez – Firefighter Ramirez grew up in Mendota and attended Tranquility High School. He later attended Fresno City College and obtained an A.A. degree in liberal arts. He has been a paid-call firefighter and for the past six years has been a firefighter with Cal Fire in Fresno County. Firefighter Ramirez enjoys spending his spare time camping, kayaking, or hiking with his family. Being a member of the Fresno Fire Department has always been goal of his ever since aspiring to work in the fire service, and he is dedicated to proving himself worthy to be part of such a noble profession throughout his career.
Firefighter Rick Rios – Firefighter Rios was born in Texas, but spent most of his childhood in Reedley. After a brief time in Southern California, he returned to the Central Valley and worked with a Christian youth organization on various school campuses throughout the valley. He has also been a youth pastor and associate pastor. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar, hiking, and spending time with his family. Firefighter Rios is looking forward to a great second career working for this wonderful city.
Firefighter Leland C. Sharpe – Firefighter Sharpe was raised in Philadelphia. He joined the Air Force after high school and has been in the armed forces for nearly 18 years. His military experience has afforded him the opportunity to do things only people dream about and he has met some amazing people on the way. Shortly after graduation from Drill School, Firefighter Sharpe will be returning to Iraq for a fourth tour of duty. His hobbies include working out and coaching.
Firefighter Thomas W. Ziegler, Jr. – Firefighter Ziegler was raised in San Jose and attended Mission College, where he earned a degree in fire science. His past fire service experience includes six years as a seasonal firefighter with Cal Fire at Hollister. Firefighter Ziegler moved to Fresno in 2007; and his hobbies include snowboarding, fishing, running, and doing construction.