Jim has always felt that education and training is extremely important so he set his sights on being a training officer. He attained his goal and became the Fire Training Officer in November of 1994 where he developed and coordinated training of the department’s fire personnel in the latest techniques in firefighting. He was promoted to Battalion/Training Chief in September of 1998. Jim coordinated the College of the Sequoias Basic Fire Academy from 1997 to 2003. He has assisted personnel throughout the state in achieving Chief Officer Status and other promotional opportunities.

Jim was appointed Fire Chief/Assistant Emergency Services Director in July of 2003 where he leads a department of 1 Assistant Chief, 4 Battalion Chiefs, 20 Captains, 37 Fire Apparatus Engineers, 5 support staff and approximately 100 Volunteer Firefighters.

Jim’s philosophy is simple, that the entire department provides the very best customer service in the most efficient way possible. The department promises to continue to train and prepare themselves for the next request for service no matter how small or large it may be.