Fire Department Organization

The Fire Department is responsible for providing Fire Suppression, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials Spill/Release Mitigation, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Life Safety Services for the citizens of Clovis.  This responsibility includes the following functions: fire protection; emergency medical services; urban search and rescue; high angle, trench and confined space rescue; hazardous condition mitigation; strategic planning; administration; fire cause and origin investigations; code enforcement; public education; and emergency preparedness, with responsibilities distributed through two bureaus and seven divisions.

Rick Bennett: Fire Chief

• Bachelor of Science Degree from Long Beach State University in Occupational Studies specific to Management of Emergency Services
• Certified Chief Officer, Master Instructor, Hazardous Material Specialist. Responsibilities include:
• Administration
• Operations
• Training
• 30 years of Fire Service
• Support Services
• Communication

 Lee Kraft: Life Safety & Enforcement Bureau, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal

• Bachelor of Science Degree from C.S.U.F. in 1982
• Twenty-three years in the Fire Service
• Original member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team for 18 years
• Administrative Responsibilites:
• Fire Prevention Division
• Emergency Preparedness Division
• Public Education

Marty Kemp: Battalion Chief Shift A

• Bachelor of Science Degree from Madonna University (Livonia, MI).  1994 Executive Fire Officer, National Fire Academy 1998
• Twenty-eight years in the Fire Service, joined Clovis Fire in February 1996
• Special Operations Division:
• Hazmat Team, USAR Team
• Administrative Responsibilities:
• Communicable Disease; Fitness Equipment; Fitness Testing; Grants; Hose; Personal Protective Equipment; Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus; Station Supplies; and TB Testing
• Committee Responsibilities:
• Accident Investigation
• Fitness
• Health & Safety

Jason Ralls: Battalion Chief Shift B

• Master of Arts Degree from Fresno Pacific University (2008)
• Bachelor of Science Degree from University of California, Davis (1994)
• Certified California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer (2009)
• 17 years in the fire service
• Administrative Responsibilities
• Support Services
• Communications
• Emergency Medical Services
• Apparatus
• Committee Responsibilities
• Awards
• Central Valley Emergency Services Support Team (CVESST)
• Apparatus

Steve Henry: Battalion Chief C Shift

• Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science Fresno City College 1997
• Twenty-five years in the Fire Service, 13 years with the City of Clovis
• Original member of the honor guard
• Fire Investigator
• Training Officer
• Administrative Responsibilites:
• Support Services
• OES/Wildland
• Communications
• CPR
• Committee Responsibilities:
• Uniform Committee
• Honor Guard

Chad Fitzgerald: Emergency Preparedness Manager

• Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fresno Pacific University 1994
• Three Years in the Fire Service
• Administrative Responsibilities:
• Clovis Emergency Response Team (CERT) Manager
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Coordinator
• Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Management
• Public Education Management
• Budgeting
• Administration, Standards of Coverage, Accreditation & Department Master Plan Management