Roster and Biographies

 

 

https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=248Fire Captain CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire Authority 2249 Jamacha Road El Cajon, California 92019<div class="ExternalClass287F97D25AF84644B31F5326B7285279">CAL FIRE/ San Diego Coutny Fire Authority</div>Mailto: jakub.jabielinski@fire.ca.govJakub Jagielinski
<img alt="Clayton Thomas" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Lists/Firescope%20Roster%20and%20Biography/Clayton%20Thomas.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=96Fire Captain Penn Valley Fire Protection District P.O. Box 180 Penn Valley, CA  95946<div class="ExternalClass49F137F021C14CB8937645B7915A9512">Vice Chair<br></div><div class="ExternalClass49F137F021C14CB8937645B7915A9512">Penn Valley Fire Protection District</div><div class="ExternalClass23C6DB66DE7B45DF925898C634EE4A3E"><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Thomas was appointed to the Penn Valley Fire Protection District on January 28, 2000 at the age of 24. Captain Thomas has served the citizens of Nevada City, Penn Valley, Nevada County and the State of California for over 25 years.  Captain Thomas has held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer and promoted to Fire Captain on December 10, 2010.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Thomas attended Nevada Union High School, Yuba College and Sierra College.  Captain Thomas holds certifications as a Fire Officer, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Investigator and is an OSFM Registered Instructor.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Thomas currently is responsible for the District's EMS programs as well as fire prevention activities. He is the Chairperson of the Nevada County Emergency Medical Care Committee and the Sierra-Sacramento Valley EMS Agency's Regional Continuous Quality Improvement Committee.  Captain Thomas has held a Paramedic license since 1999. He has served as a qualified Medical Unit Leader on federal IMT Nor Cal 1 since 2012. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">In June of 2014, Captain Thomas was selected for membership on the FIRESCOPE EMS Specialist Group. In January 2018 he was selected as that group's Chairperson.  Working within such a diverse and professional organization, alongside some of the sharpest minds in the California Fire Service, has been a rewarding career opportunity for Captain Thomas.          </p><p style="text-align:justify;">During his time away from work, Captain Thomas enjoys spending time with his spouse, travelling the world and quality time with friends. Captain Thomas is very proud of his career, but considers his greatest accomplishments to be the relationships built through years of serving his community </p></div>mailto:cthomas@pennvalleyfire.comClayton Thomas
<img alt="" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Lists/Firescope%20Roster%20and%20Biography/John%20VanDalen.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=100Firefighter El Dorado Hills Fire Department 1050 Wilson Blvd El Dorado Hills, CA  95762<div class="ExternalClass2F4786A442F444D3A1E7D77A4FDCA361"><div>El Dorado Hills Fire Department</div></div><div class="ExternalClassC8D0A2C5632A4ED5AAF895D8C4546377"><p style="text-align:justify;">​Firefighter VanDalen was appointed to the El Dorado Hills Fire Department on July 6, 2015 at the age of 33. Firefighter VanDalen has served the citizens of El Dorado Hills for over 8 years, beginning his career as a Volunteer Firefighter in 2011. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Firefighter VanDalen attended Riverside Polytechnic High School, and the University of California, Davis. Firefighter VanDalen holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Firefighter VanDalen has held a California State Paramedic License since 2015 and was assigned as a Field Training Officer for EDHFD in 2017. He has represented his Department as a Member of the El Dorado County EMSA Paramedic Advisory Committee and Continuous Quality Improvement Committee since 2016. During this time he served as a member of the MCI Policy Revision Committee.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In February of 2019, Firefighter VanDalen was selected by Fire Chief Johnson as his replacement to serve on the FIRESCOPE EMS Specialist Group. Firefighter VanDalen looks forward to the opportunity to work with this group of diversely experienced individuals. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">During his time away from work, Firefighter VanDalen enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, engaging in outdoor activities in the Sierra Foothills. <br></p><p><br> </p></div>mailto:jvandalen@edhfire.comJohn Vandalen
<img alt="Douglas Zabilski" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Lists/Firescope%20Roster%20and%20Biography/Douglas%20Zabilski.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=101Battalion Chief Los Angeles Fire Department 200 North Main Street Los Angeles, CA  90012<div class="ExternalClass1FBB948B59A04689BC371AAD209EBFF3"><div>Los Angeles Fire Department</div></div><div class="ExternalClassE2B9A92A31284D3FA2704466FAEFF3CA"><p style="text-align:justify;">Chief Zabilski was appointed to the Los Angeles Fire Department on December 19<sup>th</sup>, 1988 at the age of 30. Throughout his career, Chief Zabilski has held the ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, EMS Captain, and promoted to Battalion Chief/Paramedic on September 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2017 and is assigned to the LAFD EMS Bureau.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Chief Zabilski attended Crespi Carmelite High School then California State University Northridge where he obtained a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Journalism. At age 26, he returned to school in preparation for a career in the fire service and obtained his Paramedic License at Mt. San Antonio College where he was the valedictorian of Class 3 in 1988. In 2018, Chief Zabilski was recognized with the Celebration of Hope Award by Northridge Hospital in recognition of his 30 years of dedicated service.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Chief Zabilski has performed tours of special duty as an Instructor, a Captain and now a Battalion Chief within the LAFD EMS Bureau. During these times he has been involved in numerous multi-agency work groups in conjunction with the Los Angeles County EMS Agency who come together to develop or revise EMS policies and treatment protocols. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">In September of 2017, Chief Zabilski was selected by Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas to represent the LAFD and serve on the FIRESCOPE EMS Specialist Group. He describes the opportunity to collaborate on the direction of EMS with professional colleagues from throughout California as a humbling, prestigious honor and source of pride.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">During time away from work, Chief Zabilski savors the opportunity to spend time with his wife and be involved in the activities of his three children that have ranged from running track and cross country to color guard competitions as well as performing stand-up comedy and improvisation. For the past 20 years he has continued to run the streets of L.A. in preparation for an annual half-marathon being motivated largely by, “age denial." </p></div>mailto:douglas.zabilski@lacity.orgDoug Zabilski
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=102Engineer Kern County Fire Department 5642 Victor Street Bakersfield, CA  93308<div class="ExternalClassDE17A4310E524A14BBD26CC2476B3784"><div>Chair<br></div><div>Kern County Fire Department</div></div><div class="ExternalClassC7AD1D6E02A24D54B48BF9D37959361E"><p>​Captain Christopher Schilling was appointed to the Kern County Fire Department on October 27, 2008 at the age of 28. Captain Schilling has held the ranks of Fire Fighter Paramedic, Engineer and promoted to the Captain Position on January 4 th , 2020. Captain Schilling was previously employed with the US Forest service for 8yrs prior to his current employment where he served with an Engine and Hotshot crew. Captain Schilling attended Los Angeles Valley College and holds an Associates Degree in Wildland Fire Science. Captain Schilling holds a Paramedic certification, is a state certified Instructor 1, and Type 1 Medical Unit Leader for CAL Fire Incident Management Team 4. In March of 2019, Captain Schilling was selected by Fire Chief Dave Witt to replace retiring Battalion Chief Steve Pendergrass to serve on the FIRESCOPE Emergency Medical Specialist Group. Being associated with such a prestigious organization is one of Captain Schilling’s greatest honors where he works proudly alongside a talented group of fire service professionals. During his time away from work, Captain Schilling enjoys spending time with his family and friends and engaging in all types of outdoor activity including surfing, golfing and traveling the world. Captain Schilling is very proud of his profession, but considers his greatest accomplishments in the life to be the relationships he has built with the communities he serves and the family he has gained through the fire service. ​<br></p></div>mailto:cshilling@kerncountyfire.orgChris Schilling
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=105Fire Captain Chino Valley Fire Protection District 14011 City Center Drive Chino Hills, CA  91709<div class="ExternalClassBBD2172FC1844D85BA7FBBD7DCCAB9FA"><div>Chino Valley Fire Protection District</div></div>mailto:proebuck@chofire.orgPete Roebuck
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=357Battalion Chief Los Angeles County Fire Department 1255 Corporate Center Drive Monterey Park, CA 91754<div class="ExternalClass6C8E596050424019A1A67A6598276231"><p>​Los Angeles County Fire Department<br></p></div><div class="ExternalClass44A589185A3D4885AF68EC711F12877C"><p style="text-align:justify;">Chief Harter graduated the Los Angeles County Fire Department Academy on November 15<sup>th</sup>,1999 at the age of 24.   Chief Harter has served the citizens of Los Angeles County for over 22 years.  Chief Harter has held the ranks of Firefighter, Paramedic, Firefighter Specialist, Captain, and promoted to Battalion Chief/Fire Chief on February 1<sup>st</sup>, 2018.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Chief Harter attended Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, and California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo College.  Chief Harter holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership. Chief Harter was the recipient of the City of Hawthorne Firefighter of the Year award, which he earned in 2011 as a Captain for his commitment to implement and instruct the CERT program to the citizens of Hawthorne.    </p><p style="text-align:justify;">He also had a special assignment as his Departments DMV Coordinator and a Paramedic Coordinator.  Chief Harter holds a paramedic certification, is a state certified instructor for Fire Command 1A, Fire Command 1B, Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A, Basic Emergency Vehicle Operations, and a Strike Team Leader. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">In September of 2022, Chief Harter was selected by Assistant Fire Chief Martin to replace Chief Kane to serve on the FIRESCOPE EMS Sub Committee.  Being associated with such a prestigious organization is one of Chief Harter's greatest honors where he works proudly alongside a talented group of fire service professionals.          </p><p style="text-align:justify;">During His time away from work, Chief Harter enjoys spending time with his family and friends and engaging in all types of outdoor activity.  Chief Harter is very proud of His profession but considers His greatest accomplishments in the life to being a father of three.  </p><p>​<br></p></div>mailto: keith.harter@fire.lacounty.govKeith Harter
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=356Orange County Fire Authority 1 Fire Authority Irvine, CA 92602<div class="ExternalClass5E6F906188B94BD0A4AC2B3D7B8EBE05"><p>​Orange County Fire Authority<br></p></div>mailto: robcapobianco@ocfa.orgRob Capobianco
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=355Santa Barbara County Fire Department 4410 Cathedral Oaks Road Santa Barbara, CA 93110<div class="ExternalClass39838EAF2DAE455C83DC3D7CB44CC06B"><p>​Santa Barbara County Fire Department<br></p></div><div class="ExternalClass4224D609A96C48CEBCC0C5D7D20B5932"><p style="text-align:justify;">​Patrick Weisenberg was appointed to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department on April 7<sup>th</sup>, 2008 at the age of 26.   Captain Weisenberg has served the citizens of Lompoc, Sisquoc, Solvang, Mission Hills, Cuyama, and Los Alamos.  Captain Weisenberg has held the ranks of Firefighter Paramedic, Engineer Inspector Paramedic and was promoted to Captain on June 18<sup>th</sup>, 2018. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Weisenberg attended St. Francis High School in La Canada, Flintridge and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  Captain Weisenberg holds a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Finance/Appraisal. Patrick has served on multiple paramedic interview panels. He has established paramedic practical exams, served on the apparatus committee, is currently a field training officer (8 years), was part of the engineer workshop cadre, and is a current union director for Local 2046.     </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Weisenberg assisted with the vaccination PODS during the beginning of Covid.  During that time in staff, Captain Weisenberg gave vaccination shots, monitored patients and supervised other firefighter paramedics assigned to PODS.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">In June of 2023, Captain Weisenberg was selected by Fire Chief Hartwig to replace Captain Ford to serve on Firescope.  Captain Weisenberg is looking forward to the opportunity to contribute and be part of an excellent team.     </p><p style="text-align:justify;">During time away from work, Captain Weisenberg spends time with his wife and three children.  He coaches club baseball for the SLO Mustangs and enjoys fly fishing.  Captain Weisenberg has two older brothers.  The oldest is a Battalion Chief for Ventura County Fire and the middle brother is a basketball coach and Director of Advancement for Mission High School in San Luis Obispo.<br></p><p><br></p></div>mailto: pweisenberg@countyofsb.orgPat Weisenberg
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=250Captain Ventura County Fire Department 165 Durley Ave Camarillo, CA 93010<div class="ExternalClassE6FC8FA7DBA04865AACB497E2C0A7116">Ventura County Fire Department</div><div class="ExternalClass962C0B5C5EF14737AF3A213E4032BF7D"><p>​Captain Miner was appointed to the Ventura County Fire Department in September of 2001. He came to us from Santa Barbara City Fire Department where he had served since July of 1997 as a firefighter. Captain Miner has served in various Ventura Country communities including Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Ojai, and Simi Valley. Captain Miner was promoted from Firefighter Paramedic to Fire Captain in January 2009. He has performed as an Engine Company Captain and has recently been appointed to the position of EMS Captain.</p><p>Captain Miner possesses a Associates' degree in Fire Technology and is currently working on his Bachelors' degree in Fire Administration with Southern Columbia University.</p><p>Captain Miner has held a paramedic license for the past 24 years. He has spent time as a Preceptor educating and training new paramedics. In addition, has been involved with the Hose Cadre, Cadet/Explorer Program, EMS QI Committee, and assisting with implementing new NFIRS reporting system through Image Trends.  </p><p>In July 2020, Captain Miner was appointed to The Firescope EMS Specialist group by Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen. Captain Miner looks forward to a long relationship with Firescope and its outstanding group of fire service professionals.</p><p>During his time away from work, Captain Miner has spent many hours volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America where he has served as both a Cub Master and Scout Master.  He enjoys spending time with his wife Laura, their three children. He spends his free time enjoying the outdoors off roading and vacationing in the desert and at lakes.<br></p><p><br></p></div>mailto: robert.miner@ventura.orgRobert Miner
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=276H&S Program Manager​<div class="ExternalClass209425546FF54D96B717DFCFB2A30AFF"><div>​USFS</div><div>3644 Avtech Parkway</div><div>Redding, CA  96002​<br></div><p><br></p></div>mailto: benjamin.sundal@usda.govBen Sundal
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=353El Dorado Hills Fire Department 1050 Wilson Blvd El Dorado Hills, CA 95762<div class="ExternalClass60F740D4712F4A0BAEFF24B59D3DB1B3"><p>​El Dorado Hills Fire Department<br></p></div><div class="ExternalClass2A357CA2552C4C7A8B6696BBC44F4E49"><p>​Firefighter Nielsen started in the Fire Service in 2007. He gained experience as a volunteer and worked for the Forest Service until hired by the El Dorado County Fire Department in 2010. Firefighter Nielsen came to the El Dorado Hills Fire Department (EDHFD) on February 29, 2019.<br></p><p>Firefighter Nielsen has held a California State Paramedic License since 2009 and was assigned as a Field Training Officer for EDC LEMSA in 2013. He has served as a Member of the El Dorado County EMSA Paramedic Advisory Committee, Medical Advisory Committee and Continuous Quality Improvement Committee from 2012-2016. Firefighter Nielsen also served as a member of TEMS team with the El Dorado County Sheriff's SWAT Team from 2015 to 2019. Firefighter Nielsen also holds several California State Fire Certifications.</p><p>In July 2022, Firefighter Nielsen was selected by EDHFD to serve on the FIRESCOPE EMS Specialist Group. Firefighter Nielsen looks forward to the opportunity to work with this group of diversely experienced individuals. </p><p>During his time away from work, Firefighter Nielsen enjoys spending time with his wife of ten years and two sons, engaging in outdoor adventures, activities and traveling.<br></p></div>mailto: knielsen@edhfire.comKyle Nielsen
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=112Santa Clara County EMSA 700 Empey Way San Jose, CA  95128<div class="ExternalClass226A6FECAB0C48F998D4A9658D93CDB5"><div>Medical Doctor</div></div>mailto:kenneth.miller@ems.sccgov.orgDr. Ken Miller
https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=354Battalion Chief San Diego Fire Rescue Department 600 B Street San Diego, CA 92101<div class="ExternalClassB56F05507D4D41E5B314B1DBBD45ACDE"><p>​San Diego Fire Rescue Department<br></p></div><div class="ExternalClass1CACF9268C7C40B99911696A10785EB7"><p>​Chief Adams joined of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department in January of 2001 at the age of 30.  Chief Adams started his career in the fire service in June of 1995 in the Burlington, VT Fire Department and has been a Paramedic since 1999. Chief Adams was promoted to Battalion Chief in October of 2018 and was appointed Battalion Chief of EMS in August of 2022. </p><p>Chief Adams attended Hartford High School in Hartford, Vermont and graduated in 1988.  Chuck then served in the US Navy as a Boatswain's Mate and Rescue Swimmer, stationed at 32<sup>nd</sup> St Naval Base in San Diego. Chief Adams attended Miramar College in San Diego and obtained his associate degree in Fire Science technology.  Chief Adams completed Paramedic School at Imperial Valley College in 1999 while working for Calexico FD and living in Mexicali, B.C., Mexico. He is currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University online degree program.  Chief Adams' fondest accomplishments in the Fire Service include Honor Recruit in SDFD's 56<sup>th</sup> Fire Academy, Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in paramedic school and San Diego Fire-Rescue Firefighter of the Year in 2014.  </p><p>Chief Adams spent 6 years in Post Academy Training in SDFD training probationary firefighters. He served as a lead Truck Instructor at the SDFD Fire Academy in numerous academies.  Chief Adams served as an IAFF Fireground Survival master instructor.  He serves as a subject matter expert in shipboard firefighting and serves on SDFD's Maritime firefighting working group. This will be the first time that Chief Adams has served on a FIRESCOPE committee. </p><p>Growing up in Vermont, Chief Adams loved being on the ice and spent 35 years playing ice hockey.  Today, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and enjoying outdoor activities such as dirt biking, hunting, and camping. He is an avid archer and enjoys time spent in the woods of the Rocky Mountains. <br> </p><p><br></p></div>mailto: vadams@sandiego.govVerne Adams