Fresno Fire Department Training

Fresno Fire Department Training Division

The Fresno Fire Department Training Division exists to serve the training needs of fire service personnel. We provide training, education, and certifications to members who are vital to the organization’s success. We promote excellence by employing state-of-the-art equipment, training, and a continued commitment to the health and safety of fire department members. We strive to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the safest work environment possible for members as well as protection and service for the citizens of Fresno and surrounding communities.

Our Mission

To Protect & Put Service Above All Else.

Core Values
Teamwork

Train for excellence
Leave it better than you found it.
Everyone goes home safe.

Trust

Treat others the way we want to be treated
Do the right thing
Walk the talk

Commitment

United in our Mission
Everyone plays an important role
Our work represents us

Our Vision
Fresno Fire: Recognized as a Standard of Excellence in the Fire Service

Our Staff

Chief Chew has served the Department since 1994, holding the ranks of Firefighter, Firefighter Specialist, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief. He worked in Operations for 20 years before his assignment to the Personnel and Investigations Division, where he worked for three years. He is a past member of the US&R Team and helped develop the Region V Task Force (RTF). He is a certified Chief Officer and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. As Training Deputy Chief, he has oversight of the Training Officers and staff and is responsible for the implementation of best industry practices and recommendations of the Cortland SART report. He is passionate about mentorship, health and wellness, and advancing the Fresno Fire Department.

Jonathan Chew
Deputy Chief

Mike Gilbert joined the Fresno Fire Department as a firefighter trainee in October of 2005. Mike promoted to his current rank of Battalion Chief in 2019. He is currently the Administrative Battalion Chief assigned to the Training Division. He is a State Fire Marshall certified Chief Officer and has his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Fresno. Mike’s key responsibilities include managing the operational needs of the Training Division and oversight of the seven training officers assigned to the division.

Michael Gilbert
Battalion Chief

Short Bio

Tammy Williams
Management Analyst II

Short Bio

Crystal Giannopulos
Senior Administrative Clerk

Manuel Graves joined the Department in May 2016 as Civilian Training Officer. Prior to his employment, he worked for 29 years with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations in various capacities before retiring as a Correctional Counselor III. Manuel holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and has over 25 years of in-service trainer experience and 6 years instructing at the junior college level. Responsibilities include administering the Department’s Learning Management System, coordinating state fire training courses, monthly reporting to FCC and JAC, maintaining the training budget, training compliance, and special projects.

Manuel Graves
Civilian Training Officer

Evan began his career with the Fresno Fire Department in February 2005. Prior to working for the Department he worked as a wildland firefighter for both the State of California and the Federal Government. As a Firefighter he assisted with the Wildland Cadre for annual refresher trainings. Evan promoted to the rank of Engineer in 2007. As an Engineer he assisted with instructing the Engineer Academy and was an advisor for the Fresno Fire Explorer program. Evan promoted to Captain in September of 2016. Since then he has assisted with Company Officer Development, coordinating State Fire Marshal courses, Quarterly Truck Training, Drone program, and annual RT-130 training.

Captain Evan Sutliff
Training Officer 1

John began his career with the Fresno Fire Department in October 1999. He has over 26 years of experience as a professional firefighter. John has worked through the ranks and promoted to Fire Captain in 2012. John has served as a Training Officer for multiple drill schools and is a registered instructor for State Fire Training (SFT). His key responsibilities include monitoring current probationary firefighters training and progress; assisting company officers with the evaluation process including performance improvement plans and administering mid-term and final exam; updating Individual Performance Evolutions (IPEs) for the 2019 SFT FF1 and FF2 curriculum; and upkeep and maintenance of the training south facility.

Captain John Ross
Training Officer 2

Short Bio

Captain Kevin Reynolds
Training Officer 3

Short Bio

Captain Gregory Tademy
Training Officer 4

Robert began his career with the Fresno Fire Department as a Firefighter in April 2003. Prior to his employment with the Department, he worked for CAL Fire and The United States Forest Service as a Firefighter. Robert is a California State Fire Training Instructor at Driver Operator 1A Driver/Operator, 1B Pump Apparatus Operations, 1C Aerial Apparatus Operations, 1E Wildland Fire Apparatus, Rope Rescue Technician and Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations. Robert is CICCS qualified as a Line Emergency Medical Technician (FEMT), Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS), and working on his Line Safety Officer (SOFR).