The Porterville Fire Department has had a proud history of serving our community as an all-risk organization. As the 10th Fire Chief, I assure you that we will continue to provide you with the best customer service through our mission-focused and value-driven approach. Our mission is to "Safeguard and Put Duty Above All" and is driven by our Core Values of Professionalism, Vision, Leadership, Trust, Integrity, and Compassion.

The past few years have been challenging and at times, overwhelming for our organization. In February 2020, Captain Ray Figueroa and Firefighter Patrick Jones gave the ultimate sacrifice while searching for a reported victim in the Porterville Library Fire. Shortly after the incident, while our department grieved, we faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the resiliency and grit of the men and women of this department propelled us forward. They dealt with the fluctuating uncertainty of the pandemic while also recovering from our loss, and still managed to find innovative ways to serve the community's needs.

As we rebound from the past few years, we remain focused on providing the community with the best service possible; while also exploring ways for us to improve as an organization and creating a path forward through guiding documents. This path will be laid by performing a Community Risk Assessment followed by a Fire Department Strategic Plan. The Community Risk Assessment evaluation will give us an accurate picture of vulnerabilities and hazards to our community as well as recommend methods to improve fire and life safety services. The Strategic Plan provides our organization with a long-term direction and vision.

In closing, I am thankful to work with the men and women of the Porterville Fire Department, and I am honored to serve the community as the next Fire Chief.

Sincerely,