Author: miguel

Hometown: Springfield, Oregon 

Why FFAid: A combination of things! From a professional standpoint, I was seeking a career change that offered greater alignment with my passion for integrating mental health into company culture while leveraging my community outreach skills. A friend told me about FirefighterAid and after learning about the organization’s long-standing traditions, mission and increased focus on firefighters’ mental health, I knew this was the place to help make a difference. On a personal level, getting to know the Board of Directors and firefighters during station visits had sparked reflections on the Holiday Farm Fire of 2020 near my hometown, which ranks among the largest wildfires in Oregon’s history. Firefighters from all over Oregon and California worked tirelessly to protect the small communities along the McKenzie River. The fire spread to a hillside only a mile away from my family’s home, but thanks to the efforts of the fire service, they remained safe. I am grateful for those firefighters’ efforts back then, and continue to be amazed at all the things firefighters do to protect and serve our communities daily. It’s a privilege to be a part of the FirefighterAid team!

A person who inspires you the most: Right now I’d say my grandmother. During a recent trip back home, I took my grandma out for coffee and she shared a project she’s been working on to create a book of her life story to gift our family. She shared some of the tragedies and grief she’s experienced in life–including a logging camp fire in the 1950s that took the lives of her first born twins–and how those experiences, as devastatingly painful as they were, led her to create a women’s support group at church and ultimately shaped her into the person she is today. “At 92 years old I can say I love who I am, and I’d go through all of the pain again if I meant I could help someone else.” That level of compassion and grace is something to aspire to. 

How do you give back: Outside of FirefighterAid, I teach community-based yoga classes and volunteer for organizations like I Love a Clean San Diego, Wildcoast and the New Children’s Museum.

Tell us something about yourself: I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, anything near the ocean, Shark Week, track & field, traveling, creative writing, classic rock, vintage treasures, snuggling my senior cat and almond croissants with coffee.

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: This has been a dream of mine to work for the SDFRA since I was little. I am looking forward to giving back to the fire community and to help serve the men and women in their time of need. 

A person who inspires you the most: My parents – Arnell and Jolee Garcia. So often when I make decisions, I think of them and what would make them proud. They have taught me to be kinder than necessary, and that generosity is one of the most important things in life. They have led by example, and everyone who has had the blessing of knowing them can attest to that. Love you!

How do you give back: Caring for others has and will always be in my blood. I started volunteering at the age of five with a non-profit organization that offered burn survivors support and education in both fire and burn prevention.

Tell us something about yourself:

Everyone thinks that I’m Mike Nuanes’ daughter 

because of my last name, but it’s actually Arnie Garcia. 

Hometown: Los Osos, CA ( San Luis Obispo County)

Why FFAid: I really like how the organization is able to provide direct impact for its members and respond to crisis and need in real time. 

A person who inspires you the most: So many people, especially all of the women that have paved the way so that I could succeed in executive leadership roles but I would say most of all my son Waylon.  Watching him navigate the world and learn things is like a chance to relive it all again through his eyes.

How do you give back: I have dedicated my career to helping others and am thrilled to be working for SDFRA as the organization does just that.

Tell us something about yourself: I am a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan, my travel goal is to visit all 7 continents  ( 5 down!), if I could only have one meal for the rest of my life it would be bean and cheese burritos and I named my son after Waylon Jennings.

Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA

Why FFAid: I have been involved in the fire community my whole career, so in retirement, SDFRA is a great fit. 

A person who inspires you the most: My Father, Jose M. Garcia. He immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1926 with his brother Thomas. I am so grateful for all of his hard work and sacrifice. It gave me the ability to accomplish so much and make a great life for his grandchildren.

How do you give back: I am an advocate for the Retirees and their Families.

Tell us something about yourself: Married 37 years to my wife, Jolee, I have 3 children and a grandbaby girl. I retired after 31 years on the San Diego Fire Department.

Hometown: I’m a Navy Brat and have lived all over. San Diego is my longest and favorite hometown!

Why FFAid: To continue helping our members and serving their needs. I have served on the Sports Club, Local 145 Board, and on the Credit Committee for the FCU, this was one spot I hadn’t served. And SDFRA does really important work.

A person who inspires you the most: I’m inspired by many people who continue to strive for excellence and are humble about their accomplishments. I remember a specific individual who spoke with me about “doing the right thing” on a number of occasions and it still works for me.

How do you give back: I give back by contributing as often as I can to a few charitable organizations that really make a difference in this country, and to our community. I contribute time and money to each.

Tell us something about yourself: I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people in that I have had a good career and worked with outstanding people. I have so much to be thankful for, and remind myself of that often. I am thankful for the opportunities and great good fortune that I have experienced.

Hometown: San Diego, CA 

Why FFAid: I am committed to the mission, vision, and core values of SDFRA, and I am eager to support the organizations efforts in improving the quality of care and services for firefighters and their families. With my background in fire protection technology, incident management, and my extensive involvement in department functions, I believe I can help drive meaningful change and contribute to the ongoing success of the SDFRA.

A person who inspires you the most: My wife Olivia, the motivation behind my actions, attitudes, and work ethic is fueled by the positive attitude and support she continually shows on an everyday basis. 

How do you give back: Throughout my career, I have had the honor of serving as a firefighter, academy instructor, and currently as a Captain at Station 4 in the Gaslamp. In addition to my role as a captain, I am an active member of several department initiatives, including the SDFD Cadet Program, the annual Toys for Tots drive, and our department’s sports club. I also serve on the Federal Incident Management Type 1 Team and have experience writing Incident Action Plans for major events, such as the 9/11 Memorial Stair climb and department funerals.    

Tell us something about yourself: I am a first-generation firefighter in my family, I love spending time with my family outdoors and taking trips when time permits and making memories with those I work with. 

Hometown: Escondido, CA

Why FFAid: I have always wanted to belong to a foundation that supports our own. The best!

A person who inspires you the most: My son. He is a wonderful soul that sees the best in everyone and gives everything he does his best shot. 

How do you give back: I have been volunteering with non-profits for 23 years and it’s an honor to be able to help provide services to my own organization. 

Tell us something about yourself: I am born and raised in Escondido, married and have a 14 year old son. I worked for USFS and Miramar Fire prior to SDFD.  Some of my hobbies include: camping, fishing, working on old cars, woodworking, and restoring antique tools. 

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Why FFAid:  One of my favorite parts of this job is the deeply-rooted sense of community and tradition. I feel indebted to my brothers and sisters of the fire service- those that came before me, and those I work alongside now. SDFRA works to help these individuals in some of the darkest moments of their lives. I cannot imagine a more worthy cause.

A person who inspires you the most: My In 2016, I became good friends with Captain Dave Kaiser of the Tacoma Fire Department, who was working part-time as a jump-plane pilot at the time. He is a hard working, skillful man of  few words, and someone that I greatly respect. He encouraged me to pursue a career in the fire service. I will always be extremely grateful for his service and encouragement.  

How do you give back: I am passionate about giving back to the community that has supported me. Serving as a board member with SDFRA allows me to dedicate my time and energy to helping others in their time of need. 

Tell us something about yourself:  I have a 60lb Staffordshire Bull Terrier that I absolutely adore. 

Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA

Why FFAid: I was hurt on the job in 2015. I was hospitalized and spent several days in the hospital. The Relief Association rallied behind me and my family. They picked up my family from the airport and then put them up in a hotel. I’m not sure if that seems like a big thing or not, but it was huge for me and my family. I will forever be grateful.

A person who inspires you the most:

Both of my folks are my inspiration. Even though they are both retired, they still work tirelessly to give back to their community.

How do you give back: I am always trying to give back to my department. I have helped by being a Peer Supporter for other members who are in a time of need. It was been a rewarding experience.

Tell us something about yourself: I love to travel and teach. If I’m not working or traveling, I can be found teaching. To master a subject, the best way is to learn it, do it and then teach it to someone else. I love sharing knowledge with others.

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why FFAid: The Relief Association helps in so many ways already, but what drew me to it was the endless possibilities to provide aid to our fire department brothers and sisters. The Relief staff is motivated and selfless and is an overall great organization I’m so proud and humbled to be a part of.

A person who inspires you the most: My wife Lisa. She inspires me with her work ethic as a second-grade teacher, but even more so by the way she is so kind and caring to everyone she interacts with.

How do you give back: I currently give back to the SDFD Cadet Program as a battalion advisor. I’ve worked with the Relief Association for the past few years at the 9/11 Stair Climb. I’m excited to be a part of future events and volunteer opportunities.

Tell us something about yourself: I enjoy surfing, boxing, welding, and doing projects around the house.