Not yet a member?Join now!|Lost password
City of Santa Cruz
06/14/2012 | Press release
Fire Department Promotions
distributed by noodls on 06/14/2012 19:11
DATE: 6/14/12
FROM: Deputy Chief Mark Ramos
Subject: Promotions
The Santa Cruz City Fire Department recently filled four critical positions through internal promotions. The Department promoted two Fire Captains and two Fire Engineers. Fire Captains are the first line supervisors providing leadership and supervision on emergency scenes. The Fire Captain makes entry into a burning structure with their firefighter. An Engineer drives and operates the Fire Truck and or Engine. The Engineer is responsible for the operation of the apparatus as well as all the tools and equipment. At a structure fire, the Engineer is responsible to manage the pumping of the water to multiple hose lines operating at different pressures.
I am pleased to announce the following promotions in the Santa Cruz City Fire Department. The following promoted employees represent a wealth of emergency response experience and a firm commitment to providing public safety to our community:
Fire Captain: Kenneth Graff and Josh Coleman
Fire Engineer: Dara Herrick and William Schwartz
Kenneth David Graff was born and raised in Santa Cruz. He was a member of the Boy Scout Troupe 674, where he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Santa Cruz High in 1994, David joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served 4 years on active duty. When he returned home, David attended Cabrillo College, majoring in Fire Science Technology. He also completed courses in EMT and received his Paramedic license from Emergency Training Services in Santa Cruz. David worked as an EMT at Dominican Hospital Emergency Room and for American Medical Response. After completing Paramedic school David worked as a paramedic for AMR in Santa Cruz for approximately 5 years before joining the Santa Cruz City Fire Department in 2007. While employed at Santa Cruz Fire David has excelled in his performance as a Firefighter and Engineer, giving much of his time and energy to the department and its activities. David was married in 2006 to Julie Graff and has two young children ages 3 and 5. Off duty, David spends most of his time with his family and large extended family that still lives here in Santa Cruz.
Josh Colemangrew up in Santa Cruz County and graduated from Soquel High School in 1996. Shortly after, Josh attended Fresno State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and played defensive back on their football team. Josh's professional career began with American Medical Response in 2002 where he worked as an EMT and Paramedic in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties. Santa Cruz City Fire Department hired Josh in 2005 where he has held positions as a Firefighter/Paramedic and Engineer along with Marine Rescue responsibilities. Over the last seven years Josh has contributed to the department as a CPR instructor, peer support team member, apparatus committee member, marketing coordinator, Paramedic accreditor, and academy instructor. Josh most recently finished his State Fire Officer certification and looks forward to developing future firefighters while serving the community with superior service.Josh Colemanis married to Liz Coleman andlives locally with theirchildren: Jaden (3.5), Drake (2), and Mia (3 months).
Dara Herrick was born and raised here in Santa Cruz, attending local schools, where she swam and played water-polo. She continued playing water polo in college for UCSC, where she majored in Pure Mathematics with a minor in Language Studies with an emphasis on Spanish. Dara was a Junior Lifeguard with the Santa Cruz City Junior Lifeguards until she was 17. Upon turning 18 she was hired as a Beach Lifeguard for the City in 1998, where she also worked as a Marine Rescue Volunteer, Tower Lifeguard, and Junior Guard Instructor. Dara began focusing on her fire career after graduating from UCSC. In 2003 she became a Volunteer Firefighter for the Branciforte Fire Protection District, and began work as an EMT at Watsonville Hospital ER. After attending paramedic school, Dara was hired as a full-time Firefighter with the City of Salinas. In 2007, she was hired as a Firefighter with Santa Cruz City. Although she was sad to leave Salinas Fire, she was very excited to work in her home town again and put her years of lifeguarding back to use. Dara lives locally with her husband, Colin, and their two young children Hannah and Hayden, who enjoy keeping her busy on her days off.
Bill Schwartz grew up in the Santa Cruz area. Attending local schools, Bill graduated from Monte Vista Christian in 1987. He embarked on his EMS career in 1993, working as an EMT in Los Angeles City for about 2 ½ years before attending Paramedic school at Emergency Training Services. Bill worked for AMR in Santa Cruz County for over 3 years. Bill was hired with the Santa Cruz Fire Department in October of 2000. In his 12 years of service, Bill has been involved in many aspects of the department. He is the emergency medical services representative for the Department, which is responsible for quality assurance, monthly training, county policy and protocol updates. Bill has been involved with the union as member of the Executive Board for the last 6 years. He also heads up the Department's Peer Support team, which is geared towards helping members in their time of need. Bill also works as an instructor and Internship Coordinator for the local Paramedic Program (ETS) and is heavily involved in teaching and developing students in their careers. Bill lives in Hollister with his wife and two children.
