Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Donald Tafoya

West Covina

Summary

Fire Apparatus Engineer with CAL FIRE Riverside Unit, specializing in incident command and crew leadership. Demonstrated success in training development and emergency response, significantly improving team performance during critical operations. Certified in CPR and holder of Class B Commercial Driver’s License, excelling in high-pressure environments to ensure public safety and effective firefighting strategies.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Fire Apparatus Engineer

CAL FIRE Riverside Unit, Riverside County Fire Station 64
Temescal Valley
05.2022 - Current
  • Operated fire apparatus during various firefighting operations.
  • Performed Duties of Fire Captain on traditionally staffed Schedule A / B Apparatus, Patrols and medic squads.
  • Maintained fire station facilities and grounds.
  • Programmed handheld radios and trained others.
  • Conducted and participated in training programs.
  • Performed fire prevention tasks and acted as Division Group Supervisor trainee.

Firefighter 1

CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, Bishop and Independence Station
07.2021 - 04.2022
  • Performed search and rescue missions, hazmat, 911 response, and fire suppression duties.
  • Provided basic lifesaving services and assisted advanced lifesaving personnel.
  • Responded to traffic collisions and performed patient care.
  • Maintained and programmed handheld radios.
  • Performed as lead on Firing operations on complex incidents.

Firefighter 1

CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo Unit, Parkhill and Los Robles Station 98
08.2019 - 03.2020
  • Performed search and rescue missions, 911 response, and fire suppression duties.
  • Provided basic lifesaving services.
  • Responded to traffic collisions and performed patient care.
  • Maintained and programmed handheld radios.
  • Participated as a crew member on Unit VMP programs.

Forestry Technician/Prescribed Fire Crew Member

CAL FIRE Southern Region/Riverside Fuels Crew 3149
Riverside
02.2019 - 08.2019
  • Assisted in vegetation management programs and wildfire suppression.
  • Utilized tools and equipment for fuel modification and wildfire suppression tasks.
  • Mapped fires and fuels reduction units using Avenza Maps, GPS, and GIS programs.

Forestry Technician/Fire Suppression

United States Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Lower San Antonio Station 25
Upland
05.2018 - 11.2018
  • Performed search and rescue missions, hazmat, 911 response, and fire suppression.
  • Utilized power tools for fuel modification and wildfire suppression tasks.
  • Coordinated helicopter drops and assisted in fire investigation reports.
  • Performed duties of lead firefighter on type 3 Engines and handcrews.

Forestry Technician/Fire Suppression

United States Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, East Fork Station 23
Azusa
05.2016 - 11.2016
  • Performed search and rescue missions, hazmat, 911 response, and fire suppression.
  • Provided emergency care at traffic collisions.
  • Maintained and programmed handheld and mobile radios.

Forestry Technician/Fire Suppression

United States Forest Service, Klamath National Forest, Engine 326
Happy Camp
05.2015 - 11.2015
  • Performed wildland firefighting duties and utilized power tools for fuel modification and wildfire suppression tasks.
  • Served as a crew member on a type 2 tactical water tender.

Type 2 Forest Service Fire Crew Member

United States Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Road Runner Crew 77
Arcadia
05.2009 - 12.2009
  • Completed a 16-week wildland fire academy.
  • Utilized tools and equipment for fuel modification and wildfire suppression tasks.

Type 1 Hand Crew Member

CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, Conservation Camp #15
Crestline
06.2006 - 07.2007
  • Utilized tools and equipment for fuel modification and wildfire suppression tasks.
  • Performed sandbagging during emergency flood response.

Education

CAL FIRE Company Officer Academy #522, CAL FIRE Academy #619/BCTC Riverside
CA
01.2019

Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy Class 11
Whittier, CA
01.2009

Skills

  • CPR certified
  • Public Safety-First Aid
  • Class B Commercial Driver’s License with tank and air brake, and Firefighter endorsement
  • CAL FIRE Company Officer Academy
  • IFSAC Pro Board Fire Fighter 1
  • Various CAL FIRE and CSFT certifications (S-190, S-290, S-211, S-110, S-130, S-131, S-133, S-134, C-212, ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-700, ICS-800)
  • CFST Instructor 1 & 2, Company Officer B, C, D
  • FOBS Trainee, Division Supervisor Extended Attack Trainee
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Crew leadership
  • Training development
  • Incident command
  • Team coordination
  • Customer service

References

  • Ben, Isgar, CAL FIRE Captain, Ben.Isgar@fire.ca.gov, (951) 941-6127, Riverside County Fire Station 64
  • Shawn, Hughes, CAL FIRE Captain, Shaun.Hughes@fire.ca.gov, (951) 347-9381, Riverside County Fire Station 64
  • Eric, Abrams, CAL FIRE Captain, Eric.Abrams@fire.ca.gov, (760) 920-3579, Bishop FFS
  • Stan, Nelson, CAL FIRE Captain, Stanley.Nelson@fire.ca.gov, (714) 618-4770, Bishop FFS
  • Cody, Dunn, CAL FIRE Captain, cody.dunn@fire.ca.gov, (559) 786-7367, San Luis Obispo Unit
  • Kurt, Yearout, USFS Battalion Chief, Kyearout@fs.fed.us, (909) 702-6603, ANF, Glendora, CA

Timeline

Fire Apparatus Engineer

CAL FIRE Riverside Unit, Riverside County Fire Station 64
05.2022 - Current

Firefighter 1

CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, Bishop and Independence Station
07.2021 - 04.2022

Firefighter 1

CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo Unit, Parkhill and Los Robles Station 98
08.2019 - 03.2020

Forestry Technician/Prescribed Fire Crew Member

CAL FIRE Southern Region/Riverside Fuels Crew 3149
02.2019 - 08.2019

Forestry Technician/Fire Suppression

United States Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Lower San Antonio Station 25
05.2018 - 11.2018

Forestry Technician/Fire Suppression

United States Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, East Fork Station 23
05.2016 - 11.2016

Forestry Technician/Fire Suppression

United States Forest Service, Klamath National Forest, Engine 326
05.2015 - 11.2015

Type 2 Forest Service Fire Crew Member

United States Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Road Runner Crew 77
05.2009 - 12.2009

Type 1 Hand Crew Member

CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, Conservation Camp #15
06.2006 - 07.2007

CAL FIRE Company Officer Academy #522, CAL FIRE Academy #619/BCTC Riverside

Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy Class 11

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