| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=401 | Los Angeles County Fire
Chair | <div class="ExternalClassE628005BAD794461BC06D869EB0C9401"><p>Los Angeles County Fire<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass7E10B195AC5C4CBB9A329CB82DC14D4B"><p>Mo Khazaal was appointed to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department in July of 2001 and has served the citizens of the County since. Prior to that he worked for the Eugene Fire Department in Oregon from 1999 to 2001. Mo Khazaal has held the ranks and assignments of firefighter/paramedic, engineer, camp foreman, captain, and since 2017 camp superintendent overseeing Fire Camp 19 and the crews in the Angeles National Forest. Mo is the lead instructor for several wildland classes for LA County including teaching and leading the 2-week Captains Wildland Academy. He is also a state certified instructor. Mo has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildfire Science and the Urban Interface from Cal State University San Marcos. He currently teaches the Emergency Management, Operations and Administration class for the same program. He is passionate about leadership, wildland and firefighter safety. In December of 2021 Mo was selected to serve on the FIRESCOPE Wildland SubCommittee. Serving in this organization alongside a talented group of fire service professionals is one of the highlights of his career. Mo Khazaal has been happily married since 1999 with 2 boys and 2 girls.<br></p></div> | mailto: mohammed.khazaal@fire.lacounty.gov | Mo Khazaal | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=403 | Santa Barbara County Fire
Vice Chair | <div class="ExternalClassEFFE536451934ACCBC262DFE84A7DA12"><p>Santa Barbara County Fire<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass0EF83173D2BA46418350DEFC71806315"><p>Professional Background
Patrick Byde has worked with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department since 2001 and has been a
battalion chief since 2016. Prior to Santa Barbara County, Patrick has worked with the Kern County Fire
Department, USFS Helitack 510, BLM Keene Flight Crew 555, and the Diamond Mountain Hotshots.
Education and Accomplishments
Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Natural Resource Management from Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo.
Specialized Training
Patrick is qualified as a division/ group supervisor, operations section chief type 3, and incident
commander type 3. Patrick also serves as the chair for the Santa Barbara County Wildland Steering
committee.
FIRESCOPE History
Patrick served with the FIRESCOPE aviation subcommittee from 2016‐2019.
Personal Interests
Family and having fun outside.<br></p></div> | mailto: patrick.byde@sbcfire.com | Patrick Byde | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=404 | Orange County Fire Authority
Secretary | <div class="ExternalClassB0801907B09041108820DB92E410A7AF"><p>Orange County Fire Authority<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass5B31314DB39F4B16B3014054FEB8C19D"><p>Nathan got his start in the fire service as a Volunteer Firefighter with CDF/Riverside County Fire
Department in 1994, while attending UC Riverside. He went to work for the United States Forest Service
shortly thereafter and earned a position on the El Carriso Hotshots. Following the 2001 fire season, he
was hired by Torrance Fire Department – where he spent the next four years. In 2006, Nathan accepted
a job with the Orange County Fire Authority.
He currently serves as a field Battalion Chief in the City of Santa Ana. During his time with the OCFA he
held the ranks of Firefighter and Fire Captain and has been involved with many programs. He was a
member of FEMA California Task Force 5 in Logistics and Transportation. He served as both an Assistant
Superintendent and Superintendent with OCFA’s handcrew program. He also served as a department
Training Officer and teaches several classes as a state certified instructor. He is currently a Division
Supervisor on California Interagency Incident Management Team 13.
Nathan has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Biochemistry from the University of California in
Riverside.
He is happily married to his wife of 22 years and has 4 kids. <br></p></div> | mailto: nathanarellano@ocfa.org | Nathan Arellano | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=402 | CalFIRE | <div class="ExternalClassEF2402D96A524216944CFDE18CD91415"><p>CalFIRE<br></p></div> | | mailto: jacob.wells@fire.ca.gov | Jacob Wells | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=526 | Cal OES | <div class="ExternalClass192AA2729532430C8DF608CF38967D15"><p>Cal OES<br></p></div> | | mailto: randy.unkovich@caloes.ca.gov | Randall Unkovich | |
| <img alt="" src="/PublishingImages/Blake.jpg?RenditionID=1" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=405 | Kern County Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClassF0574E9C57DE4831BED310715AE5D46F"><p>Kern County Fire Department<br><br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass38A37B307D22454A9A24D35901A7E250"><p>Captain Blake was appointed to the Kern County Fire Department in February 2000 at the age of 28. Captain Blake has served the citizens of Kern County for 21 years.</p><p>Captain Blake has held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Crew Superintendent, and was promoted to Captain in 2010. Prior to serving the citizens of Kern County, Captain Blake worked as a seasonal firefighter on the Angeles National Forest. While with the U.S Forest Service he served on engines and Hotshots while working from 1990-2000.</p><p>Captain Blake graduated from Bishop Alemany High School, in 1994 he graduated from Daniel Freeman Paramedic School. Captain Blake is currently working on his bachelor's degree in Fire Administration with Columbia Southern University. Captain Blake has graduated the United States Forest Service Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Academy and is a recipient of the Jon Kelso award for leadership.</p><p>Captain Blake currently serving as a station captain in Lake Isabella. He also manages the Kern County Fire Department Remote Automated Weather Stations and Live Fuel Moisture programs. Captain Blake is a California State Fire Training instructor and Type 3 Incident Commander and Division Group Supervisor.</p><p>In November, Captain Blake was selected by Fire Chief Duncan to be the first firefighter to represent the Kern County Fire Department on the FIRESCOPE Wildland Fire Subcommittee. Being associated with such a prestigious organization is one of Captain Blakes greatest honors where he works proudly alongside a talented group of fire service professionals.</p><p>During his time away from work, Captain Blake enjoys spending time with family and Friends. He enjoys activities like camping, fly fishing, and many other outdoor activities.<br></p></div> | mailto: gblake@kerncountyfire.org | Gary Blake | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=406 | San Diego Fire Department
| <div class="ExternalClass3A1AD804B97F42269FF663D4365B969D"><p>Large City Fire Departments South<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass54D18B80400549AC998D608C7E861DE2"><p>Chief Willy Melendez is a battalion fire chief for the San Diego Fire-Rescue
Department (SDFD). Chief Melendez was hired by SDFD in 2001 and has served in
every rank in the department, including Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, and
Battalion Chief, and has been a certified paramedic since 2001. Chief
Melendez was promoted to captain in 2009 and battalion chief in 2016. He is
currently the Training Chief for San Diego Fire-Rescue Training & Education
Division. As the Training Chief, Chief Melendez oversees the department's
fire academy, in-service training, driving education, and online education
programs. He also serves as the chair for San Diego County Training Officer’s
Association and serves as a lead on San Diego’s UASI Training Committee.
During his 20 year career, he has served in a variety of roles which include:
All-Hazard Strike Team and Task Force Leader, Safety Officer, Liaison Officer
on several significant incidents throughout the state of California; Post
Academy Training Instructor and Coordinator, IAFC Saudi Aramco Fellowship
Program Coordinator, Lead Fire Academy Instructor, L-280 Followership to
Leadership Instructor and Coordinator, IAFF Fire Ground Survival Instructor,
Battalion Medical Officer, and SDFD’s Engineer Exam Subject Matter Expert.<br></p></div> | mailto: wmelendez@sandiego.gov | Willy Melendez | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=407 | Ventura County Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass5A4ECDDA8B0449F1B309C914DAA63D6E"><p>Ventura County Fire Department<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassD03A90AE3F534F9FA5F8F06E7293032E"><p>I’ve been with VCFD since 1998, hired as a hand crew member, hired
as a FF in 2000, promoted to Capt. In 2011, promoted to BC in 2018.
Wildland quals-STEN, HMGB-T, DIVS-T, TFLD-T <br></p><p>Personal-married with two kids
Hobbies-surfing, hiking, mountain biking<br></p></div> | mailto: Israel.gutierrez@ventura.org | Israel Gutierrez | |
| <img alt="" height="252" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Lists/Firescope%20Roster%20and%20Biography/Chief%20Mattson.jpeg" width="168" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=654 | Redding Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass7BED98CD2FE24F13AD883D452B9B8B13"><p>Small/Medium Departments North<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass2A01F2D7376F43B2905005D41B78E78E"><div>Battalion Chief Erick Mattson began his fire service career with CAL FIRE, completing five seasons before joining the Redding Fire Department in October 1998. He has proudly served in the fire service for over 32 years and was promoted to Battalion Chief in October 2021.<br></div><div>Chief Mattson attended the Butte Fire Academy, earning a Certificate of Achievement in Fire Science, and later completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration. He has played a key role in the department’s training programs, including leading new hire academies, managing CICCS qualifications, and instructing State Fire Training-certified courses.</div><div>He currently oversees the Redding Fire Department’s Training Division. Chief Mattson is a California State Certified Instructor and holds several FIRESCOPE qualifications, including Engine Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss, Strike Team Leader, and Task Force Leader. He is nearing completion of his Division/Group Supervisor certification. Over the past 15 fire seasons, he has responded to major incidents statewide through the California Mutual Aid System.</div><div>In addition to his operational responsibilities, Chief Mattson supports the department’s social media presence, leads technology improvements in scheduling systems, and contributes to internal communications platforms. Outside of work, he volunteers with the Redding Rodeo Association, managing their website and social media, and enjoys capturing rodeo action through photography and videography.</div><div>While proud of his accomplishments in the fire service, Chief Mattson considers his greatest achievement to be the strong relationships he has built with his family, colleagues, and community.<br></div></div> | | Erick Mattson | |
| <img alt="" src="/PublishingImages/Steppig.png?RenditionID=1" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=408 | Sacramento Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass6A445B0371A241F681728D989EC7FDC8"><p>Large City Fire Departments North<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassD73B9D476AD14130869775DA72EAA684"><p>Brhett Steppig is a Battalion Chief with the Sacramento Fire Department, and
he is currently assigned to Battalion 3 on the C shift in North Sacramento. In Battalion
3 he oversees seven fire houses, which includes seven engines, three ladder trucks,
four wildland type engines, the hazmat company, the heavy rescue company, and five
ambulances. Chief Steppig has been in the fire service for 29 years, serving 20 years
with the Sacramento Fire Department, eight years with the Salt Lake City Fire
Department, and 1 year with Nampa, Idaho Fire Department. Chief Steppig is
currently working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services
Managementfrom Union Institute & University and has an Associate of Science Degree
in Fire Science Technology from Trucke Meadows Community College. He is a
California State Fire Marshall Office certified Chief Fire Officer and State Fire
Instructor.
With 2 years as a Battalion Chief and 10 years as a Captain, Chief Steppig has
served the Sacramento Fire Department as a Paramedic, Qualified Engine Boss, Type
IV Incident Commander, Agency Representative and just completed his Strike Team
Leader task book. Chief Steppig also works for Sierra College Community College. He
teaches for the Fire Academy, the Company Officer Program, and Building
Construction for the Fire Technology Program.
Chief Steppig currently lives in Rocklin, California. He is the proud father oftwo
children. His daughter, Erika is a registered nurse at Kaiser Hospital in Roseville,
California. His son, Kalub is a paramedic firefighter for the Roseville Fire
Daepartment.<br></p></div> | mailto: bsteppig@sfd.cityofsacramento.org | Brhett Steppig | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=698 | Orange City Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClassC8859CF315814013AD4AFEB66BC92533"><p>Small/Medium Cities South<br></p></div> | | mailto: jbarrios@cityoforange.org | John Barrios | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=410 | US Forest Service | <div class="ExternalClassAD81440B0FFA4BFAA74F85EDED3DB2EE"><p>US Forest Service<br></p></div> | | mailto: Alexander.liau@usda.gov | Alex Liau | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=411 | Marin County Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClassE882AF968C0C44349349AA5C3B9D6F2E"><p>County Fire Departments North<br></p></div> | | mailto: cmartinelli@marincounty.org | Chris Martinelli | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=626 | San Bernardino County Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClassD2EF314478B049C0BED87E0007C9597D"><p>Fire Districts South<br><br></p></div> | | mailto: jbarrios@cityoforange.org | Jim Topoleski | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=625 | Orange City Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClassFC06FC5971704659A9616264E10FC116"><p>Associate Advisor<br></p></div> | | mailto: jbarrios@cityoforange.org | John Barrios | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=627 | US Forest Service | <div class="ExternalClassCFB622895CD6448594405FCF446A95A4"><p>Associate Advisor<br></p></div> | | mailto: travis.thane@usda.gov | Travis Thane | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=628 | CalFIRE | <div class="ExternalClass49B38D303FFF413FBBAA504B2A242C54"><p>Associate Advisor<br></p></div> | | mailto: steve.chapman@fire.ca.gov | Steve Chapman | |
