Firefighter I/II Class 24-01 *July-2024*
This firefighter academy started on June 1, 2024, and their training was completed on July 5, 2024.
![Firefighter helmets on a table with a "North Central Fire" logo cloth.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/c1e69353-de74-441b-b911-aa8532c8c9f0/2024GraduatesPinning-8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=86a17feface2a399fcc487b12638d5ba)
![A group of uniformed individuals sitting in a row with a speaker at a podium, an American flag in the background, and firefighting helmets in the foreground.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/aff99dcd-99de-4259-98f6-7ad1b9576b4b/2024GraduatesPinning-44%20Group.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=62514468fcfd8d9d3305a0dfaab98178)
![Group of seven firefighters in uniform posing in front of a brick building, including one in formal white uniform with medals.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/5626d3d8-9690-4533-b4f2-e5b0f533bbe7/IMG_4020.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=b8d536bf95808338df9ce79f5894e797)
![A group of uniformed individuals attentively listening to an instructor during a classroom presentation.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/21e5b857-9850-4155-933f-5d03bd593206/24-01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=2a6cbed336b307352ed6e5a4790cdf60)
![Two firefighters with gear, one standing with a tool, the other seated with a chainsaw, near a fire truck.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/6f568f8f-d5d5-408d-aa04-e65a9372d6d3/IMG_6542-2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c04d360a573f57de7724fceae0473285)
![Two firefighters with equipment training on a wooden structure.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/4c727dfe-5e31-4c55-bcf8-654d9a9d3ba1/IMG_6544-2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=666351c522255c46a9de72fad9b97022)
![Two firefighters in gear using a chainsaw on wood.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/e0355178-af77-46c2-b703-c0ca0900622f/IMG_6546-2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=6b0fae18ba5ae3c051361bec487052a7)
![A group of firefighters in uniform with a red fire truck in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/59193a17-60ff-445c-aabb-7370544f9fd3/Cadets%201.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=2654e0fa9361c3daaf891e63e3314c10)
![A group of uniformed individuals, possibly firefighters, in a ceremony hall with seated spectators.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/8abf69dc-554d-4a5a-8c5b-a8c1e8bf0f77/2024GraduatesPinning-39.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=556c544f2bfb36da730ee489bff8ce98)
![Uniformed personnel marching in a hall with seated spectators, possibly a graduation or ceremony.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/35c33a63-439e-4246-bdc7-0b5115c8b7f6/2024GraduatesPinning-40.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=3f3c2173b9f45dd60b9803717c273102)
![Fire department uniform with badge, ID card, and commemorative coins.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/bdbe8236-7c58-41fc-bfd8-d43dda8e6702/2024GraduatesPinning-9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=d5ffea201775895240622c56ea384135)
![A line of uniformed officers standing side by side in a black-and-white photo.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/ce70c3d3-10cd-422f-a5da-bd90dbbb26b0/2024GraduatesPinning-41.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c751981d9c6b00ad3c3dcf76ed305f4b)
![Rows of firefighter helmets on blue tablecloth.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/9442182f-3f32-488d-b7e4-e3fb08c12c1d/2024GraduatesPinning-14.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=599e2ba9b1a8ee3998c64bfc4e82386b)
![Fire department badges and IDs on a blue cloth with firefighter helmets in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/9b3e14a5-9a4c-4d4f-9a4b-7755af4f21d4/2024GraduatesPinning-11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=0a74c70057a1f20868dc9b7b94c77c57)
![A firefighter's helmet with reflective stickers and a badge reading "North Central Firefighter."](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/682b7e1c-0a37-4049-84ae-6e82af4024bd/2024GraduatesPinning-10.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=e5eca76c2a07151dc5c281c104dc399c)
![Group of uniformed individuals in a procession, likely part of a formal event or ceremony.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/5887d90a-20c0-4b7f-b42b-3930d914f7e3/2024GraduatesPinning-38.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c0f19f353bd244cbae7de7e3969d2136)
![Group of firefighters in uniform posing in front of a red fire truck.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/d4a6bc61-ea3d-4088-a2ef-742b9997e226/Cadets%204.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=f0e7128ad25808f839f839f4c9a31de9)
![A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/c2d1daf3-f69d-4dde-b0ce-a5de0d6506b6/Melton,%20Tristan_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=38aa5abf7d788702385e749fc922528c)
![A person in a firefighter uniform stands next to an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/15207ed3-93a0-4db6-849f-c44e425809ff/Odahl,%20Joshua_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=8252899a5f1638e0860acc16510c5d6f)
![Uniformed firefighter standing in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/984772de-890a-4ab9-893b-0d2d245e8aef/Vega,%20David_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=098727053d73a9069a4c13b05c6260a2)
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform stands before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/f2f0ff88-eade-40fe-9f01-9b79011d08d6/Diaz,%20Eric_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=5a66ce72d24b8f36fac60e2e629fd192)
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform in front of the American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/82c9d1e7-a3ab-481d-9f0f-1a8a6c43e208/Dudley-Nelson,%20Austin_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=e6820f88118025fea1f809efbbea3e71)
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform standing in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/05f62c68-d184-4ae0-b717-c93a23ed0d29/Zanagoza,%20Luis_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=0ba82103fd3dd8ca7b287303ba249062)
![May contain: accessories, formal wear, tie, flag, person, officer, and police officer](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/2e8e473f-6fd5-4022-9b74-bd983b1ad6a5/Wagenleitner,%20Natnael_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=640c7940d40b69ff16b4b2ce004d55e0)
![A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/7f96cf3a-2674-49f1-b4dd-c0994fb3a867/Vanderlinden,%20Zachary_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=9071a6b0407d2bbba136049b98923120)
![A person in a firefighter uniform stands before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/ae84b7e8-e91f-4f9c-8fea-19527f29cb39/Laniez,%20Gumersindo_%20Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=de92264667ffc959c837b9707984c079)
![Firefighter helmets on a table with a "North Central Fire" logo cloth.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/c1e69353-de74-441b-b911-aa8532c8c9f0/2024GraduatesPinning-8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=86a17feface2a399fcc487b12638d5ba)
![A group of uniformed individuals sitting in a row with a speaker at a podium, an American flag in the background, and firefighting helmets in the foreground.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/aff99dcd-99de-4259-98f6-7ad1b9576b4b/2024GraduatesPinning-44%20Group.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=62514468fcfd8d9d3305a0dfaab98178)
![Group of seven firefighters in uniform posing in front of a brick building, including one in formal white uniform with medals.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/5626d3d8-9690-4533-b4f2-e5b0f533bbe7/IMG_4020.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=b8d536bf95808338df9ce79f5894e797)
![A group of uniformed individuals attentively listening to an instructor during a classroom presentation.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/21e5b857-9850-4155-933f-5d03bd593206/24-01.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=2a6cbed336b307352ed6e5a4790cdf60)
![Two firefighters with gear, one standing with a tool, the other seated with a chainsaw, near a fire truck.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/6f568f8f-d5d5-408d-aa04-e65a9372d6d3/IMG_6542-2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c04d360a573f57de7724fceae0473285)
![Two firefighters with equipment training on a wooden structure.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/4c727dfe-5e31-4c55-bcf8-654d9a9d3ba1/IMG_6544-2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=666351c522255c46a9de72fad9b97022)
![Two firefighters in gear using a chainsaw on wood.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/e0355178-af77-46c2-b703-c0ca0900622f/IMG_6546-2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=6b0fae18ba5ae3c051361bec487052a7)
![A group of firefighters in uniform with a red fire truck in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/59193a17-60ff-445c-aabb-7370544f9fd3/Cadets%201.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=2654e0fa9361c3daaf891e63e3314c10)
![A group of uniformed individuals, possibly firefighters, in a ceremony hall with seated spectators.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/8abf69dc-554d-4a5a-8c5b-a8c1e8bf0f77/2024GraduatesPinning-39.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=556c544f2bfb36da730ee489bff8ce98)
![Uniformed personnel marching in a hall with seated spectators, possibly a graduation or ceremony.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/35c33a63-439e-4246-bdc7-0b5115c8b7f6/2024GraduatesPinning-40.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=3f3c2173b9f45dd60b9803717c273102)
![Fire department uniform with badge, ID card, and commemorative coins.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/bdbe8236-7c58-41fc-bfd8-d43dda8e6702/2024GraduatesPinning-9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=d5ffea201775895240622c56ea384135)
![A line of uniformed officers standing side by side in a black-and-white photo.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/ce70c3d3-10cd-422f-a5da-bd90dbbb26b0/2024GraduatesPinning-41.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c751981d9c6b00ad3c3dcf76ed305f4b)
![Rows of firefighter helmets on blue tablecloth.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/9442182f-3f32-488d-b7e4-e3fb08c12c1d/2024GraduatesPinning-14.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=599e2ba9b1a8ee3998c64bfc4e82386b)
![Fire department badges and IDs on a blue cloth with firefighter helmets in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/9b3e14a5-9a4c-4d4f-9a4b-7755af4f21d4/2024GraduatesPinning-11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=0a74c70057a1f20868dc9b7b94c77c57)
![A firefighter's helmet with reflective stickers and a badge reading "North Central Firefighter."](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/682b7e1c-0a37-4049-84ae-6e82af4024bd/2024GraduatesPinning-10.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=e5eca76c2a07151dc5c281c104dc399c)
![Group of uniformed individuals in a procession, likely part of a formal event or ceremony.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/5887d90a-20c0-4b7f-b42b-3930d914f7e3/2024GraduatesPinning-38.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c0f19f353bd244cbae7de7e3969d2136)
![Group of firefighters in uniform posing in front of a red fire truck.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/d4a6bc61-ea3d-4088-a2ef-742b9997e226/Cadets%204.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=f0e7128ad25808f839f839f4c9a31de9)
![A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/c2d1daf3-f69d-4dde-b0ce-a5de0d6506b6/Melton,%20Tristan_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=38aa5abf7d788702385e749fc922528c)
![A person in a firefighter uniform stands next to an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/15207ed3-93a0-4db6-849f-c44e425809ff/Odahl,%20Joshua_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=8252899a5f1638e0860acc16510c5d6f)
![Uniformed firefighter standing in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/984772de-890a-4ab9-893b-0d2d245e8aef/Vega,%20David_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=098727053d73a9069a4c13b05c6260a2)
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform stands before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/f2f0ff88-eade-40fe-9f01-9b79011d08d6/Diaz,%20Eric_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=5a66ce72d24b8f36fac60e2e629fd192)
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform in front of the American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/82c9d1e7-a3ab-481d-9f0f-1a8a6c43e208/Dudley-Nelson,%20Austin_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=e6820f88118025fea1f809efbbea3e71)
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform standing in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/05f62c68-d184-4ae0-b717-c93a23ed0d29/Zanagoza,%20Luis_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=0ba82103fd3dd8ca7b287303ba249062)
![May contain: accessories, formal wear, tie, flag, person, officer, and police officer](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/2e8e473f-6fd5-4022-9b74-bd983b1ad6a5/Wagenleitner,%20Natnael_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=640c7940d40b69ff16b4b2ce004d55e0)
![A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/7f96cf3a-2674-49f1-b4dd-c0994fb3a867/Vanderlinden,%20Zachary_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=9071a6b0407d2bbba136049b98923120)
![A person in a firefighter uniform stands before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/ae84b7e8-e91f-4f9c-8fea-19527f29cb39/Laniez,%20Gumersindo_%20Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=de92264667ffc959c837b9707984c079)
![A smiling firefighter in uniform in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/316404ad-30d0-4ad4-af45-c819f6e04b00/Baker,%20Jace_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=8ec215b21f5b076a93b06e739bdff2e6)
Jace Baker
I am 20 years old. I was born in Visalia but raised in Fresno. I attended Buchanan High School and graduated in 2021. I obtained my EMT certification and graduated from the FCC Fire Academy in 2023. In addition, I also received 2 associate's degrees from Fresno City College in Fire Technology and Business Admin. I was fortunate enough to become an intern firefighter with North Central which allowed me to get a glimpse into what my future could be. In my time away from the station I volunteer as a leader in the Kids Ministry at the Well Community church and run the Games Management Team for the Special Olympics NorCal division. I enjoy spending time on the lake, watching football every Sunday, and snowboarding at China Peak during the winter. I'm beyond thankful for this opportunity to work as a firefighter and serve my community
![Smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/115f7479-cb78-4f79-98cc-5b052e494760/Diaz,%20Eric_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=0fe12108f07402ab4118681c73f63682)
Eric Diaz
I am 27 years old and I was born and raised in Dinuba. Where I still live, with my girlfriend Alexia and our son Brooks. I graduated from Dinuba High School where I played baseball and football. I’ve earned two associates degrees from Fresno City College: one in Business Administration and another degree in Fire Technology. I attended Fresno City College Fire Academy, class 61. This is where I learned a lot about the fire service and was immediately captivated. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and take trips to the beach or mountains. I hope that one day I could be a role model not only for my son, but also to the children within the district. I am extremely thankful to be a part of the North Central Fire family, and I look forward to getting to contribute and serve this community.
![A person in a firefighter uniform with badge in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/5d87f19b-2ec1-4ae8-a173-8ee4bc18c8b7/Dudley-Nelson,%20Austin_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=b60b92bbc987b0a22822943450fb5be9)
Austin Dudley-Nelson
I am 24 years old and grew up in Tollhouse California. I graduated from Sierra High School and was heavily involved with Future Farmers of America. After graduation, I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona where I obtained my private pilot license. When the Creek fire evacuated me from my home, I felt a new calling. That call was the fire service to help protect my Fresno County community. I then enrolled in Fresno City College, obtained my EMT and graduated from the FCC Fire Academy. I fell in love with the comradery and the mindset of the people within the fire service. My hobbies include hiking, fishing, and really anything to do with the outdoors; especially if it's with my dog Athena.
![A person in a firefighter uniform stands before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/f42deae3-b754-4b73-84b6-c81e95efa06a/Laniez,%20Gumersindo_%20Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=8b31358e01b8bfd85305ab83d4fed1f7)
Gumersindo Ariel Lainez
I’m 21 years old and I am from Mendota. I graduated from Mendota High School in 2021. In high school I played football and started at the varsity level in my sophomore year. After high school I attended Fresno City College and graduated from there in 2023. On my free time I enjoy working out, mainly focusing on olympic lifts. Prior to starting my journey in joining the fire service I worked in agriculture, I harvested crops, maintained orchards, and did a variety of other work that comes with farming. I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to serve the area in which I grew up.
![A smiling person in a firefighter uniform in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/38a7aab4-50b3-4389-8fdb-3ffb151c054f/Melton,%20Tristan_Flag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=78b3b2b8a6c9234197f5a6287086e9b8)
Tristan Melton
I was born in 1997. Raised in the mountains of Clovis, my two biggest interests are snowboarding and riding dirt-bikes. I graduated high school from Fresno Adventist Academy in 2016. From there I attended college in Tennessee and in Napa, with a semester abroad in Spain. I worked for the family business, Melton Sheet Metal. While working I got my EMT license and later on I attended the Fresno City College fire academy at their new campus. I am blessed to be here at the North Central Fire Protection District serving this great community. Due to my roots in the Central Valley, I can say that I am making a difference in a place that I call home.
![A person in a firefighter's uniform stands before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/4200ddb6-b59e-43b1-8f0c-af1a1d38ca9a/Odahl,%20Joshua_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=90efd45e1e159e9783e6fd64cec55f4c)
Joshua Odahl
I was born in 1998 and grew up in Coalinga, CA. I graduated from Coalinga High School where I played baseball and basketball. After high school, I attended West Hills College and played baseball for one season. I decided to enlist in the Navy after my time at West Hills. I served in the Navy for 6 years and was lucky enough to see a lot of the world and the country. I completed 3 deployments on DDG 68 USS The Sullivans and gained valuable life experience. Firefighting has been my dream job my whole life. My father was a firefighter for Coalinga Fire Department and I am grateful to be following in his footsteps. I got out of the Navy to pursue my dream. I obtained my EMT, attended FCC Fire Academy, and now I am honored to be a part of the North Central Fire Protection District. I look forward to serving the wonderful community that resides within the District and continuing to better myself everyday.
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform with an American flag in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/b0f60f2c-2b36-4ba0-929c-2aa603394965/Vanderlinden,%20Zachary_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=6d9d3b8247ec9f6c17f3c4e337b3717d)
Zachary Vanderlinden
I am 19 years old and live in Clovis, California. I am the youngest of three siblings, my brother Tyler and my sister Kayla are all three years apart. I am the last of three siblings to join the North Central crew. I graduated from Fresno Christian High School in 2023 and went straight into EMT at Alert Medical's accelerated summer course. Then joined the FCC Fire Academy in January 2024. I have been going after this career since the day I graduated high school, and I love it. I didn’t have any firefighting experience prior to joining, so I have learned a ton every single day. Ever since learning what firefighting is all about, I fell in love with the way you can live as one on and off shift. Some of my hobbies are, I love to go skiing, fishing, and floating on the lake. A lot of hard work has been put in over the past year and I excited to work for North Central Fire.
![A smiling individual in a firefighter uniform with a badge, standing before an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/c4f28767-99b9-4e57-b051-6843bef62b88/Vega,%20David_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=d81bf9ac6d2fd2a79a6c6cb708474f40)
David Vega
I am 20 years old, born and raised in Sanger, California. I attended Sanger High School where I enjoyed playing football and participating in the Fire ROP program. On my free time I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, barbecuing, and fishing. I look forward to becoming part of the North Central family and working towards being the best firefighter I can be for the community I serve.
![A smiling man in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/8527eeea-7857-44d4-8a66-d0c7d556fbec/Wagenleitner,%20Natnael_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=8694463b835bdf76fccc53155d53e75d)
Natnael Wagenleitner
Hello my name is Natnael Wagenleitner aka Nati. I am 25 years old and was born in Ethiopia where I spent the first 14 years of my life. I was adopted at the age of 14 and have been living in the central valley ever since. I currently live in Dinuba with my beautiful wife of 3 years. Some of my hobbies include golf, playing soccer, and running. I attended Fresno City College where I was able to get my associates degree in Fire Science along with completing the fire academy. Right after the academy I started my 6 month internship at Station 55 where I learned how much this department cares for the community and really helped me learn and grow as a firefighter. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity to serve the community and look forward to giving the same type of care and love that the department has for its people.
![A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform with a badge, in front of an American flag.](https://streamline.imgix.net/7fb12135-a219-4750-bddf-e45f67dd38dc/9590eadc-d02f-48eb-b848-7d483b882cd6/Zanagoza,%20Luis_Flag%20Close%20Up.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=81871bc615690deb60a5039083773755)
Luis Zaragoza
I'm 22 years old. I was born in Merced, California and raised in both Planada and Merced. I attended El Capitan High School where I played foorball and basdketball, graduating in 2020. I'm a huge family guy and love spending time with extened family. Some of my hobbies include being outdoors, whether it's hiking, going to the beach, or just playing a game of basketball at the park. The fire service was something I never pictured myself doing until on day I decided to give it a chance and I fell in love with it. I'm excited to be a part of the North Central Fire Protection District, and extremely grateful for this opportunity.