South San Francisco, CA February 21, 2019 City of SSF Press Release {2.12.19}
Family, friends and colleagues gathered for a special badge and swearing in ceremony for the South San Francisco Fire Department today at Fire Station #61.
“I’m proud of the level of diversification when it comes to the experiences and qualifications of our new and existing team members,” said Fire Chief Jess Magallanes. “We welcomed a lot of new faces to our department and I’m excited for all of those promoted – they were well-deserved promotions.”
The following people were welcomed to the South San Francisco Fire Department:
- Paramedic Firefighter Ryan Biberston is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
- Paramedic Firefighter Christopher Broughton received his Bachelor’s Degree from California State University – Sacramento and worked several years in fire protection in different capacities before coming to South San Francisco.
- Paramedic Firefighter Devin Finn attended California State University – Monterey Bay where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. He also earned his paramedic license from Sacramento State.
- Paramedic Firefighter Mathew Hager obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California – San Diego. Prior to coming to South San Francisco, Hager worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Iowa.
- Paramedic Firefighter Gabriel Quintero grew up in South San Francisco. He attended the Fire Academy at the College of Siskiyous and attended the College of San Mateo for Fire Science courses. He received his paramedic license from NCTI in Livermore.
- Paramedic Firefighter Rachael Ridenour has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology at Cabrillo College. Before coming to South San Francisco, Ridenour spent five years as a volunteer firefighter at Zayante Fire Protection District.
- Administrative Assistant Ronnie Leung received her Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University. Prior to coming to South San Francisco, she was a paralegal in San Francisco.
In addition, Chief Magallanes promoted the following people:
- Deputy Fire Chief Matt Samson has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California – Santa Barbara, and also completed an Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy. Prior to his promotion, he served as a Paramedic Firefighter, Fire Captain, and Battalion Chief.
- Fire Marshal Craig Lustenberger holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from the College of San Mateo. Over the past 15 years he has completed several certifications, including Fire Inspector 1, Fire Inspector 2, and Fire Investigator.
- Battalion Chief Juan Byron graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in History, and went on to obtain his Associate’s degree in Fire Science from the College of San Mateo as well as a Master’s degree in Homeland Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.
- Fire Captain Jason Bezemer has been in the fire service for 18 years – 16 with South San Francisco. He has held positions of Paramedic Firefighter and Fire Apparatus Engineer and is currently a Rescue Specialist with CATF-3.
- Fire Apparatus Engineer Paul Tanti graduated from South San Francisco High School and then attended the College of San Mateo to pursue his fire service career. He is USAR (Urban Search And Rescue) qualified, and a rescue boat operator.
- Fire Apparatus Engineer Brad Setterlund has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing with a minor in Business Administration. Setterlund has been with the SSFFD for 16 years
- Safety Inspector 1 Caitlin Bortoli grew up and currently resides in South San Francisco. She has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from the College of San Mateo and plans to go back for her Bachelor’s degree.