| <img alt="Frank Granados" src="/PublishingImages/Frank%20Granados%20-UAS.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=329 | Orange County Fire Authority
Chair | <div class="ExternalClass9521EA0E814B47758F31851E0B7AF2AC"><p>Orange County Fire Authority<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassF52428CC1E9444ED91635FB938A37F0F"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Frank G</span><span style="text-align:justify;">ranados was appointed to the Orange County Fire Authority on Nov 2013 at the age of 24. Frank Granados has primarily served the city of Santa Ana because it is the local community he was born/raised in. Frank Granados has held the rank of Fire Apparatus Engineer and promoted to the position in December 2019.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Engineer Granados attended Santa Ana High School, Cal State Fullerton and Santa Ana College. Engineer Granados holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with an emphasize in Sport Studies. Engineer Granados also holds an Associate's degree in Fire Science. Engineer Granados represented OCFA's Battalion 3 and was nominated for the Departments 2019 Firefighter of the Year.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Engineer Granados is involved with Homeland Security. He is part of the First Responders Robotic Operations System Testing (FRROST). Frank also holds a Paramedic License.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In October 2019, Chief Tim Perkins selected Engineer Granados to represent the Orange County Fire Authority at the FIRESCOPE Air Ops Committee meetings as part of the UAS section. Engineer Granados was a vital part in developing the program for OCFA. The Orange County Fire Authority has a vested interest in developing the state curriculum for UAS.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">During his time away from work, Engineer Granados is a big basketball fanatic. Having played Div.1 Basketball at Cal State Fullerton, he enjoys watching college basketball. Frank loves traveling with his wife Sandra and running around with his bullterrier named Rocco. Frank loves coming to work every day but considers his greatest accomplishment in life to be in 2010 defeating UCLA at Pauley Pavilion on ESPN in double overtime.<br></p></div> | mailto: frankgranados@ocfa.org | Frank Granados | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=617 | Los Angeles County Fire Department
Vice Chair | <div class="ExternalClass0990FBD3E43F451599AD38921D4F0E1E"><p>Los Angeles County Fire Department<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass40DA995BE050447ABD0D0B718B2AF07F"><p>Captain Hans Christian serves as the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Manager for the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). With over a decade of frontline and leadership experience, he has been at the forefront of integrating UAV technology into large-scale emergency operations, disaster response, and homeland security planning.<br>Under his leadership, LACoFD's UAS program has expanded into a mission-critical asset, providing real-time aerial intelligence for structure fires, wildland incidents, mass gatherings, and complex rescue scenarios. He is responsible for flight operations management, regulatory compliance, pilot training, and interagency coordination—ensuring drones are deployed safely and effectively to protect both responders and the public.<br>In addition to his department role, Captain Christian serves as a task force member with the FBI's Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) initiative, where he works alongside federal partners to develop threat mitigation strategies for unauthorized or hostile drone activity. His CUAS expertise plays a vital role in safeguarding major events and critical infrastructure across Southern California.<br>Captain Christian's portfolio includes tactical planning for high-profile events at SoFi Stadium, NFL games, West Hollywood Halloween, and large-scale festivals. He also serves as a lead administrator for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant, helping to fund and expand drone and counter-drone technologies across the region.<br>He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from California State University Fullerton and an Associate of Arts in Fire Technology from Palomar College. Beyond operations, he is a passionate instructor in GPS land navigation, CERT, and emergency response planning.<br>As a public safety technology leader, Hans Christian brings critical insights into the challenges and opportunities of UAV integration in emergency services and counter-drone operations.<br></p></div> | mailto: hans.christian@fire.lacounty gov | Hans Christian | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=325 | San Diego Fire Rescue Department
| <div class="ExternalClass0224DC7A3AD347B79AA560EB0A0561B7"><p>Large City Fire Departments South<br></p><p><br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassC8E41BEA930A4F8C893799FEF971D84A"><p><br><br></p></div><p></p> | mailto: cmacfarland@sandiego.gov | Chuck Macfarland | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=702 | US Forest Service | <div class="ExternalClass0D851E6FC974442EB01C7C3791C7B4EC"><p>US Forest Service<br></p></div> | | mailto: jesse.plummer@usda.gov | Jessie Plummer | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=704 | Contra Costa County Fire Protection District | <div class="ExternalClass5F3DF4391208452DB0178BF2F71B21AD"><p>Fire Districts North<br></p></div> | | mailto: dware@cccfpd.org | Dennis Ware | |
| <img alt="" height="193" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Richard%20Thompson.png" width="161" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=328 | Los Angeles Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClassAC88801E18D34094B89B7BF986756E18"><p>Los Angeles City Fire Department<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassF7F9AEA4313046BFB075AE344A18E17B"><div>Captain Richard Thompson was appointed to the Los Angeles City Fire Department on January 7, 2007 at the age of 23. Captain Thompson has served the citizens of Los Angeles City. Captain Thompson has held the ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic,</div><div>Emergency Incident Technician, Fire Captain I, and promoted to Fire Captain II on August 29, 2021.</div><div>Captain Thompson attended Paraclete High School, Union Institute and University. Chief Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Services Management and a minor in Fire Science and Technology. He has also completed numerous Leadership courses and symposiums.<br></div><div>Captain Thompson is currently doing a tour of special duty overseeing the Hazmat/CBRNE section, the Joint Hazard Assessment Team (JHAT), and the UAS program. He also had a special assignment of being team lead on the department's and</div><div>Los Angeles Region’s Geen Cell cadre. He also serves on multiple work groups and committees regarding UAS and Hazmat.</div><div>In June of 2024, Captain Thompson was selected by Fire Chief Kristin Crowley to replace retiring Captain II Ted Kalnas to serve on the FIRESCOPE Subcommittee UAS Specialist Group. Being associated with such a prestigious organization is one of</div><div>Captain Thompson’s greatest honors where he works proudly alongside a talented group of fire service professionals.</div><div>During his time away from work, Captain Thompson enjoys spending time with his family and friends and engaging in all types of outdoor activity. Captain Thompson is very proud of his profession, but considers his greatest accomplishments in life is to be a proud husband to his wife and father to his daughter.<br></div></div> | mailto: richard.thompson@lacity.org | Richard Thompson | |
| <img alt="" height="191" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Cody%20Gonzalez.jpg" width="160" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=703 | Pasadena City Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass211EED8B61A34123BA3BB1A40B942282"><p>Small/Medium Cities South<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass289FC8250BEB414586F714D9A2B6FE01"><p>Cody Gonzalez joined the Pasadena Fire Department in 2021, as a lateral hire from Riverside County CALFIRE. At 34 years old, Gonzalez has served the citizens of Running Springs, Anza, Temecula, and Pasadena since his entry into the fire service in 2016. A brief exposure to the Air Ops of Hemet-Ryan fueled Cody's fascination with the complexities of arial operations in an emergency environment. As a current Firefighter Paramedic and USAR qualified member, he wishes to develop this fascination into a departmental drone program to assist in all-risk hazard mitigation for the City of Pasadena, as well as USAR deployments throughout the state. <br></p><p>Raised in Running Springs, California, Gonzalez was a student athlete at Rim of the World High School. After graduating in 2009, he began his attendance at the University of California Riverside. Graduating in 2013, he obtained his B.A. in Political Science with a focus in Law & Society. Cody briefly attended law school at Chapman University in 2015, before switching careers to the Fire Service. </p><p>Since becoming a member of the Pasadena Fire Dept, Gonzalez has obtained his Tiller certification, become USAR qualified, accepted the role of Paramedic preceptor, and is currently spear-heading the development of the city's drone program. He hopes to return to law school part-time in the coming years, to better provide legislative support for his department and the fire service. </p><p>In the initial stages of the PFD drone program development, Gonzalez established contacts with the FIRESCOPE UAS subcommittee. After attending a meeting on March 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2025, Gonzalez finds himself inspired to join the organization. Having listened to the FIRESCOPE subcommittee's future objectives, he believes that his skill set will greatly contribute to the subcommittee in coming years. He is thankful to be able to stand on the solid foundation that has been laid since the subcommittee's inception.</p><p>Outside of the fire service, Gonzalez enjoys an active lifestyle including snowboarding, trying to learn to surf, shooting, backpacking, and general physical fitness. He is very close with his family and considers himself to be the favorite fun uncle to his niece and nephew.<br></p></div> | mailto: cgonzalez@cityofpasadena.net | Cody Gonzalez | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=330 | Bureau of Land Management
| <div class="ExternalClassE6391C0C43AF4CBEA885E9F5C2264E3E"><p>Bureau of Land Management<br><br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass18527D77FA4C44A8BAF12ED2EE34561F"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Darrin started his career in wildland fire as a crewmember on a 20-person hand crew on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests in Wallace, Idaho in 1994. In 1997 he was offered a job on the Eldorado Hotshot crew, he accepted and moved to California, he spent 2 years on the crew primarily running a chainsaw and performing the duties of a Senior FF. In 1999 he was hired as an apprentice firefighter and spent the season working on the Big Hill Helitack Crew, he went back to the Hotshots after that season where he finished his apprenticeship. In 2001 he was offered a squad leader position at Big Hill and worked his way up the ranks of the crew eventually being promoted to Superintendent. In 2015 he detailed to the Angeles National Forest and filled the role of Forest Aviation Officer. In 2020 he accepted a detail with the Bureau of Land Management as the State Aviation Manager and was later promoted into that position in December of 2020.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Darrin graduated from Wallace High School in Wallace, Idaho in 1990. He then went on to further his education at the University of Idaho graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Health and Wellness Promotion. In 2005 he went back to school and completed his multiple subject California teaching credential with hopes of teaching and coaching at the High School level, during that time he received two promotions and stayed with the Forest Service. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Darrin maintains several wildland fire qualifications, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, Helicopter Coordinator, Helicopter Manager, Helibase Manager and Division Group Supervisor. During his wildland career he has fought fires in all western states in addition he has fought fire in Canada, Mexico and Hawaii. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Before moving to the BLM he was the Chair of the Federal Helicopter Managers Working Group (FS, BLM, NPS) for California. He was also the Chair of the Helicopter Equipment Committee. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">During his time away from work he enjoys golfing, whitewater rafting and camping. He also likes to spend time with his wife, 2 daughters and hiking companion Archie (5 YO yellow lab).<br></p></div> | mailto: dyost@blm.gov | Darrin Yost | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=331 | CAL FIRE
| <div class="ExternalClass868743B3915D4CEC99D6663D68325BA5"><p>CAL FIRE<br><br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassCC432BFFB785477691F3D8DBE4CAE04E"><p><br><br></p></div><p></p> | mailto: peter.york@fire.ca.gov | Pete York | |
| <img alt="" height="194" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Sean%20Ameche.png" width="160" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=619 | Ventura County Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass094B389485BA4AF5855803484A1EC378"><p>Ventura County Fire<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass21AE299A8308428883EFE70DB2E0C381"><div>Sean Ameche started working with Ventura County Fire Department in 2008 at the age of 23. He worked across all 5 battalions diversifying his roles and experiences. As a firefighter Sean acquired many certifications including Hazmat Specialist, ARFF, Swift Water Rescue, Ocean Rescue Swimmer and RWC operator, and Peer Supporter. Primarily working at Station 50 has contributed to him being an integral part of the Hazmat program. His most recent contributions to the Hazmat program have been working as part of a team that developed standard operating procedures for battery and EV fires. As an engineer he took on a key role in developing a fire engineer academy for VCFD. He taught hydraulics, pump theory, and pumping standards. Sean was promoted to Captain in 2019.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Sean has been consistently engaged in wildland firefighting. He has participated in countless strike team deployments, both Type 1 and Type 3. He has completed classes S-215 Wildland in the Urban Interface, S-219 Firing Ops, S-231 Engine Boss, S-244 FOBS, S-290, and S-390 Intro Fire Behavior Calculations. Most recently Sean has been spearheading VCFD’s UAS program. Whether it has been establishing COAs, writing policies and procedures, developing training requirements, or purchasing new equipment, Sean is dedicated to ensuring VCFD’s UAS program is safe and effective. As the program continues to grow, he has accepted the assignment as the UAS Program Manager. Having a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Sean has used his skills to evaluate problems</div><div>and find solutions throughout his career.</div><div>Growing up near the ocean, Sean developed a love for the water. His favorite hobbies include surfing, spearfishing, and taking his boat out on fishing trips to the local Channel Islands. Sean is also</div><div>an avid musician, playing guitar, piano, and singing. He lives in Ventura County and is married to his wife of 17 years. They have 4 children ranging from 15 to 7 years old. Sean thoroughly loves all</div><div>aspects of firefighting and the many ways it can have such a positive impact on the community around him.<br></div></div> | mailto: sean.ameche@ventura.org | Sean Ameche | |
| <img alt="Sky Bonillo" src="/PublishingImages/Sky%20Bonillo%20-%20UAS.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=332 | Santa Barbara County Fire Department
| <div class="ExternalClassFD132FAD8F2E496FB3DC182197CA210F"><p>Santa Barbara County Fire Department<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass9A698477294A493AB1181A5DD3674FBE"><p>Engineer Bonillo began his Fire Service career in 2002 with the Los Padres National Forest working at the Santa Barbara Air Attack base where he helped test the nations first video and image transferring program from an Air Attack platform to personnel in the field.</p><p>Engineer Bonillo attended Santa Barbara High School and Allan Hancock College Fire Academy. He is qualified as a Part 107 Pilot, RCDM, ENGB, FAL3, and FOBS (trainee). He is actively pursuing his Sports Pilots license. </p><p>Engineer Bonillo serves on the USAR CA-TF12 Team. He began development of the Santa Barbara County Fire Departments UAV program in 2013. Once the FAA introduced Part 107 in 2016 Engineer Bonillo and Engineer Jake Braitman re-developed the departments UAV program. It currently has seven qualified (part 107) pilots and one dedicated UAV recon vehicle.</p><p>Engineer Bonillo was appointed to the FIRESCOPE UAS subcommittee in December 2021. He is committed to making UAV platforms a widely used tool in the Wildland arena with a focus on heavy-lift UAVs for logistical support to personnel in the field.</p><p>On his days away from work, Engineer Bonillo enjoys beach days, traveling and hiking with his wife and two children.<br></p></div> | mailto: sky.conillo@sbcfire.com | Sky Bonillo | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=620 | Sacramento Metro Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass71E4EDCD59894044906B424778AE8B6A"><p>Large City Fire Departments North<br></p></div> | | mailto: sean.ameche@ventura.org | Matt Dargan | |
| <img alt="" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Kristian%20Cavada.jpg" width="133" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=621 | San Bernardino County Fire District | <div class="ExternalClass7683A698B6D0403C952D5CB2C4C729EE"><p>Fire Districts South<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassA0D71B030050452DB838C06E3FA11228"><div>Captain Cavada began serving with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District in February of 2010 at the age of 26. He is currently assigned to Fire Station 2, which is located in a town of San Bernardino City known as Devore. He served as a fire fighter for 6 years before promoting to engineer in 2016, and promoted to the rank of Captain in December of 2022. <br></div><div>Captain Cavada attended Don Bosco Technical High School in Rosemead, and then went to Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in Business Administration. The San Bernardino County Fire District's UAS program was started by Captain Cavada in 2017, in which he also developed the department's UAS policies, procedures, and training program. Aside from his normal duty at the fire house and being a paramedic since 2005, he applies that and all his experience to aid and rescue the public as a Helicopter Rescue Technician. He notably earned one of the department's highest awards in 2016, the Medal of Honor, for being a part his crew's courageous acts in saving a trapped victim involved in a high-speed, head-on traffic collision with fire on Highway 395. </div><div>He has been chosen by Chief Dan Munsey to represent his department on the FIRESCOPE UAS Subcommittee. Captain Cavada considers this a true honor, and looks forward to being able to work alongside a great team from departments across the state, in hopes to contribute positive change for an effecient and effective fire service. </div><div>As we all in the fire service know so well, time is our most valuable asset. Therefore, when doffing the uniform, Captain Cavada looks forward to nothing more than spending time and making memories with his wife and 3 young boys. <br></div></div> | mailto: kcavada@sbcfire.org | Kristian Cavada | |
| <img alt="" height="124" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Brian%20Steach.jpg" width="165" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=616 | Redwood City Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass00963197638D46599DED2DB5A11E7B50"><p>Small/Medium Cities North<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClassE31D43E3B304494BABF331CD09100F77"><p>Captain Brian Steach joined the Redwood City Fire Department in October 2012. Prior to his appointment, Captain Steach worked as a paramedic and paramedic supervisor for American Medical Response- San Mateo County. Since achieving the rank of captain in January 2022, Captain Steach has spent the majority of his time on Engine 9 in downtown Redwood City. Engine 9 consistently ranks as one of the busiest fire companies in the county and it also serves Captain Steach's hometown. </p><p>Captain Steach is a graduate of Sequoia High School (diploma), Foothill College (AA in Political Science), San Jose State University (BA in Political Science), and California State University, Long Beach (MS in Emergency Services Administration). In 2017, Captain Steach wrote his master's thesis on UAS integration in the fire service and because of that work, Redwood City Fire Department has a well-established UAS Unit. Captain Steach's thesis and accompanying UAS policy has been widely shared within the first responder community. </p><p>Beyond his work in the UAS Unit, Captain Steach is an EMS Captain, leads the department's social media team, is on the policy review committee, is a member of the live burn cadre, is a member of the active shooter cadre, and as a former SWAT paramedic, is assisting in building a joint Redwood City Fire and Redwood City Police SWAT team. Captain Steach was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 2017 for his work in the UAS Unit and other accomplishments at Redwood City Fire. Additionally, Captain Steach was recently selected to attend the inaugural San Mateo County Company Officer Academy.<span style="text-align:center;"> </span></p><p>During his time away from work, Captain Steach enjoys traveling, flying, watching English Premier League soccer, playing chess, working towards proficiency in Spanish, and most importantly- spending as much time with his children as possible. </p></div> | mailto: bsteach@redwoodcity.org | Brian Steach | |
| <img alt="" height="190" src="/Governance/PublishingImages/Jeff%20Ring.png?Width=160&Height=190" width="160" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=622 | San Diego Fire Rescue Department | <div class="ExternalClass7E13601D1C5E4626AE97C6F9F827BF0B"><p>Associate Advisor<br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass37F89CD997E5492B8DB561816A50485F"><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Ring was hired by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department on October 7, 1996 at the age of 20. Captain Ring began his journey in the fire service at 16 years old as a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet. Captain Ring served as the Chief of the Cadet Program prior to starting the 51<sup>st</sup> fire academy. Captain Ring has held the ranks of Firefighter, Fire Engineer and was promoted to Fire Captain in August of 2008. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Ring is a native San Diegan and graduated from University City High School. Captain Ring has also studied at both Miramar and El Camino junior colleges. Captain Ring completed his state Fire Officer Certification in 2007. Captain Ring was certified as a Bomb Technician in March of 2012 at the FBI's Hazardous Devices School in Huntsville, Alabama. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Captain Ring began developing the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's UAS Program in the summer of 2016. In November of 2017 Captain Ring assumed the role of UAS Program Manager. In January of 2018 Captain Ring was selected as the Bomb Squad Commander for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In February of 2019 Captain Ring was appointed as the Cities South Representative of the FIRESCOPE UAS subcommittee. Captain Ring is honored to work alongside some of the State of California's UAS pioneers and looks forward to being a part of making this valuable technology available at large emergency incidents throughout the State.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">While not at work Captain Ring along with his wife and son enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather. As a family they enjoy desert off-roading, sailing and vacationing in the Caribbean.<br></p></div> | mailto: jring@sandiego.gov | Jeff Ring | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=623 | California Highway Patrol | <div class="ExternalClass84E03188F6234759AF14607A7210B408"><p>Associate Advisor<br></p></div> | | mailto: kevin.king@chp.ca.gov | Kevin King | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=705 | East Bay Regional Park Distsrict | <div class="ExternalClassE944F419769349448F78B00A103E00ED"><p>Associate Advisor<br></p></div> | | mailto: jcornell@ebpark.org | John Cornell | |
| | https://firescope.caloes.ca.gov/Governance/Lists/Firescope Roster and Biography/DispForm.aspx?ID=624 | Task Force Liaison | <div class="ExternalClass826C1B199D1044B89AF1347330313F57"><p>Task Force Liaison<br></p></div> | | mailto: derrick.chapman@fire.lacounty.gov | Derrick Chapman | |
