Behind the Badge
The City National Grove of Anaheim was full of proud friends and family for Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s Promotion & Graduation ceremony May 19, honoring graduates who recently completed AF&R’s eight- week fire academy, along with AF&R employees promoted within the last year.
“With 21 graduating the recruit academy today, this is one of the largest recruit academies Anaheim Fire & Rescue has ever had,” Master of Ceremonies Mike Villani told the audience.
“To further put in perspective the changing face of the organization, in the last three years the department has hired 57 new firefighters, which roughly equals 27 percent of your workforce,” Villani added. “That means that now, more than ever, there is a convergence of generations, a mixing of the knowledge and extensive experience of senior staff with the innovation and resourcefulness of newer members of the organization.”
Anaheim Fire & Rescue vehicles greet guest as they arrive for the 2017 Promotion & Graduation Ceremony at The City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fire Chief Randy Bruegman thanked city officials in attendance for their support of the agency over the years, as well as the Anaheim Police Department and AFR’s Human Resources team for the work they do together in serving more than 350,000 residents and the more than 23 million visitors to Anaheim every year.
“Without a doubt, leadership is visible throughout our organization,” Bruegman said. “From our newest recruits to our most senior personnel, the pride and their commitment to provide excellent customer service, to go above and beyond for our residents, and those that visit Anaheim, is demonstrated on a daily basis.
Members of Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s Color Guard post the colors at the start of the 2017 Promotion & Graduation Ceremony at The City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“This is the legacy that new employees walk into when they join Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and we are very proud of that. It’s an important piece of our heritage that has been passed down through the generations of firefighters who have served this city. But, what makes Anaheim different is also found throughout our city’s workforce. We call it ‘the Anaheim Way.’”
As an example of the “Anaheim Way” – “that extra effort, doing the unexpected for our customers” – Bruegman recalled when a police officer and fire crew responded to an emergency medical call and found a mom low on food and without diapers for her infant. After the call was handled, they returned a short time later with food and diapers for the mom and baby.
AF&R Chief Randy Bruegman welcomes guests to the 2017 Promotion & Graduation Ceremony at The City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“To our graduates of the 2017 Anaheim Fire & Rescue Academy, I congratulate you on completing this initial milestone,” said Bruegman. “In the last eight weeks, you have experienced firsthand that Anaheim Fire & Rescue is truly a leader in the fire profession. You have learned from our most talented instructors, recognized not only in our department, but nationally as well. I encourage you to continue to approach each day on shift with the same determination, curiosity, commitment and discipline that you have already exhibited. Capitalize on each learning opportunity and value each teaching moment. And beyond the shift, continue to nourish those outside the firehouse who have helped you along the way: your friends and family.”
Recently promoted employees included Deputy Chief Tim O’Hara, Battalion Chiefs Michael Molloy and Christopher Richichi, Captains Ryan Lazar, Corey Gremel, Jason Hartley and Rob Lester, and Engineers Jeno Gilia and Michael Steenbergen.
Member of Anaheim Fire & Rescue take the oath of office for promotions at the 2017 Promotion & Graduation Ceremony at The City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
In the Community Risk Reduction Division, promoted employees included Assistant Fire Marshal Lindsey Young, Hazardous Material Specialist II Eric Poomi, Community Risk Reduction Officer I Michael Galleano, part-time Community Risk Reduction Officer I Andy Torres and part-time Community Risk Reduction Officer I Justin Day.
In Fire Dispatch, Dispatch Supervisor Sam Ahumada, Fire Dispatcher II Joshua Casillas, Fire Dispatcher II Christina Segletes and Fire Dispatcher II Stephanie Adams also were promoted.
Deputy Chief Tim O’Hara with his wife, Susanne, after she pinned his new badge on him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Among other honorees was Mike Houghton, who was named Firefighter of the Year by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3173.
“Mike has been chosen for his passion that translates into incredible effort and production,” Bruegman said. “His ability to recognize deficiencies and create solutions is second to none. It’s no surprise that Mike was part of the team that launched our first Wildland Firefighting program and is Anaheim’s only chainsaw technician. He revolutionized the way we respond to emergency elevator entrapments. His expertise in this area has spread to neighboring cities and has demonstrated the ability to save building owners thousands of dollars in damage compared to previous methods used for the same emergency elevator entrapments.”
Tracy Molloy pins a new badge on her husband, Battalion Chief Mike Molloy.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The 21 AF&R recruits included Firefighter Paramedic Adam DeMolay, Firefighter Alex Martinez, Firefighter Paramedic Alfonso Ruben Jimenez, Firefighter Paramedic Andrew Thomas, Firefighter Anna Araujo, Firefighter Paramedic Brian Wright, Firefighter Paramedic Cody Strickland, Firefighter Paramedic Cory Diederich, Firefighter Paramedic Jason Barlow, Firefighter Paramedic Jason T. Phillips, Firefighter Paramedic Jeffrey Patrick Low Jr., Firefighter Paramedic Jeremy Kunkle, Firefighter Julian Gonzalez, Firefighter Paramedic Marshall Berg, Firefighter Matthew Nash, Firefighter Patrick Collins, Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Allred, Firefighter Paramedic Shane Walton, Firefighter Paramedic Stuart Tyson, Firefighter William “Joe” Fisher and Firefighter Woo Young Kim.
Fire Academy Commander Battalion Chief Chad Thompson addressed the graduates.
Battalion Chief Mike Molloy and his wife Tracy with daughter Ireland and son Maverick after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“You have challenged your mind with the classroom work and excelled at the skilled training exercises, which are physically demanding,” he said. “None of this has been easy, but then again, neither is the job of an Anaheim firefighter paramedic… I am honored to have served as your academy commander and equally proud of your accomplishments. Your journey has only begun, as you will have 12 months to prove yourself worthy in the field. Based on the training that you have received, I have no doubt that each of you will be a contributing member of the Anaheim Fire & Rescue team for many years to come.”
Battalion Chief Chris Richichi after receiving his new badge with his wife Jennifer and children Dominick, Gianna and Anthony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Ryan Lazar after receiving his new badge with his wife Kathy and daughter Ayva.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Corey Gremel receives his new badge from his wife Autum and family.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Corey Gremel with his wife Autum and family after receiving his badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Jason Hartley gets his new badge pinned on him by his wife Melanie as their children look on.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Jason Hartley, after receiving his new badge, with his wife Melanie and their children.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Rob Lester receives his new badge from his father, Bob.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Rob Lester after receiving his new badge with his father, Bob.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Engineer Jeno Gilia receives his new badge from his father Frank and daughter Zella.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Engineer Michael Steenburgen receives his new badge from his wife, Brittany.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Engineer Michael Steenburgen, after receiving his new badge, gets a hug from his wife, Brittany.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Assistant Fire Marshal Lindsey Young after receiving her new badge with her husband Michael and their sons Logan and Vale.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Hazardous Material Specialist Eric Poomi receives his new badge from his wife, Christine.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Hazardous Material Specialist Eric Poomi after receiving his new badge with his wife, Christine.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Community Risk Reduction Officer Michael Galleano receives his new badge from his wife, Melissa, a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Community Risk Reduction Officer Michael Galleano after receiving his new badge with his wife Melissa.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Part-time Community Risk Reduction Officer Andy Torres smiles after receiving his new badge from his mother, Lucia Navarrete.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Part-time Community Risk Reduction Officer Justin Day after receiving his new badge with family.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Metro Net Supervisor Sam Ahumada after receiving his new badge with his father Alex, who works for the Finance Department at the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fire Dispatcher II Joshua Casillas, right, after receiving his new badge, with Julie Thomas, who also works for Metro Cities Dispatch.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fire Dispatcher II Christina Segletes receives her new badge from her husband, Anaheim PD Officer William Segletes.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chief Randy Bruegman, left, presents Anaheim Fire & Rescue Firefighter Mike Houghton with the Firefighter of the Year award selected by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3173.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chief Randy Bruegman presents Anaheim Fire & Rescue Firefighter Mike Houghton with the Firefighter of the Year award selected by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3173.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Graduates of the 2017 Anaheim Fire & Rescue training academy are sworn in during Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s 2017 Promotion & Graduation Ceremony at The City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Adam DeMolay, after receiving his new badge, gets a hug from his father, Robert.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Alex Martinez gets his new badge pinned on him by his brother, Sonny.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Alfonso Ruben Jimenez after receiving his new badge with his mother and father, Diana and Alfonso.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Andrew Thomas gets a hug from his mother, Betty, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Anna Araujo gets her new badge pinned on her by her mother, Kimberly.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Anna Araujo with her mother, Kimberly, after receiving her new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Brian Wright gets a hug from his grandfather, Gene, before receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Brian Wright gets his new badge pinned on him by his grandfather, Gene.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Cody Strickland gets a hug from his father, Captain John Strickland Jr. of Anaheim Fire & Rescue, before receiving his new badge from his brother, Firefighter Paramedic John Strickland III, also with Anaheim Fire & Rescue.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Newley pinned Firefighter Paramedic Cody Strickland, center, with his brother, Firefighter Paramedic John Strickland III, left, and their father, Captain John Strickland Jr. All three work with Anaheim Fire & Rescue.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Cory Diedrich has his new badge pinned on him by his mother, Sandy.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Cory Diedrich with his mother, Sandy, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Jason Barlow holds his son, Jacob, as his wife, Michelle, takes his new badge from Chief Randy Bruegman, right, to pin on him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Jason Barlow with his wife, Michelle, and their son, Jacob, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Jason T. Phillips holds his kids as his wife, Angela, pins his new badge on him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Jason T. Phillips holds his kids with his wife, Angela, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Jeffery Patrick Low Jr. with his wife, Ryan, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
AF&R Chief Randy Bruegman, right, hands Firefighter Paramedic Jeremy Kunkle’s new badge to his fiancée, Angelina Pinola, for her to pin it on Kunkle.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Jeremy Kunkle gets his new badge pinned on him by his fiancée, Angelina Pinola.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Julian Gonzalez with his wife Ellen, their daughter Adelaide, and their son Dolan after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Marshall Berg gets his new badge pinned on him by his father Scott, retired deputy chief with Anaheim Fire & Rescue, as his brother Blake Berg, who also is a firefighter paramedic with Anaheim Fire & Rescue, looks on.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Marshall Berg, center, after receiving his new badge, with his brother Blake, a firefighter paramedic with Anaheim Fire & Rescue, left, and his father Scott Berg, retired deputy chief with Anaheim Fire & Rescue.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chief Randy Bruegman, right, hands Firefighter Matthew Nash’s new badge to his fiancée, Staci Foster, for her to pin on Nash.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Patrick Collins and Chief Randy Bruegman, right, greet Patrick’s family on stage, including his grandfather, Ted Hahn, as Collins receives his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Patrick Collins gets his new badge pinned on him by his grandfather, Ted Hahn.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Patrick Collins proudly hugs his family, including his grandfather, Ted Hahn, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
While holding his kids, Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Allred gets a kiss from his wife, Courtney, before receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Allred stands with his wife, Courtney, and kids as he receives his new badge from Chief Randy Bruegman.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Allred with his wife, Courtney, and kids after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Shane Walton with his wife, Van, and daughters Sophia and Victoria, after receiving his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter Paramedic Stuart Tyson gets his new badge pinned on him by his wife, Chelsey.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firefighter William “Joe” Fisher stands with his wife, Karen, as their daughter looks at his new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Family members photograph the new Anaheim Fire & Rescue members on stage at the conclusion of AF&R’s 2017 Promotion & Graduation Ceremony at at The City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
