Firefighter I/II Class 25-01 *February-2025*
This firefighter academy started on January 13, 2025, and their training was completed on February 21, 2025.
Jessica Lee
My name is Jessica Lee. I was born in Salinas and moved to Roseville when I was just 7 years old. After graduating from Granite Bay High School, I pursued my education at Humboldt State University, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree. In August of 2024, my fiancé and I relocated from Lake County to Fresno.
I have a passion for outdoor activities, enjoying hiking, playing golf, cooking, and working out. My background includes prior experience in both fire services with San Francisco and law enforcement with the California Highway Patrol. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the North Central Fire Family and look forward to contributing to our community.
Fabio Quijano
My name is Fabio Quijano, and I am 22 years old, residing in Clovis, California. I graduated from Clovis East High School, where I was actively involved in basketball, football, and track. After completing high school in 2020, I pursued my general education courses at Fresno State for two years. After considering various career paths, I decided to meet with a school counselor at Fresno City College, which led me to enroll in EMT school with the hope of becoming a firefighter. Following my EMT training, I joined the Fresno City Fire Academy and quickly realized that there is no other career I would rather pursue. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve my community and am committed to maintaining a student mindset. This will allow me to continuously develop my skills and grow not only as a firefighter but also as an individual, so that I can help and inspire others along the way.
Bryan Ventura
My name is Bryan Ventura. Though I was born in Florida, I have spent my entire life in the Central Valley. I am part of a large family, with two sisters and two younger brothers, and we moved to the west side of Fresno when I was 11. Growing up as the son of two Mexican parents, I am deeply connected to my Hispanic heritage. In 2022, I chose to pursue a career in firefighting and was fortunate to intern with North Central Fire Protection District. Since then, I have developed a passion for the community the District serves. The opportunity to protect my community fills me with pride and drives me to be the best firefighter I can be.
Giovanni Mendoza
Hello, my name is Giovanni Mendoza, but you can call me Gio. At 20 years old, I have spent my entire life in Fresno, where I am the oldest of three siblings. I graduated from Central East High School in 2022, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to be a part of the fire service. Immediately after high school, I pursued this dream and completed my EMT and FF1 Academy at Fresno City College, also earning an associate’s degree in Fire Technology along the way. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, playing and watching sports, and spending time outdoors. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the North Central Fire Protection District, and I am excited to serve the community that has shaped who I am.
Amanda Sordi
My name is Amanda Sordi, and I am 25 years old, raised in Madera, California. I graduated from Madera High School in 2018, where I was actively involved in various sports, including gymnastics, basketball, and track and field. Following high school, I joined the Army National Guard, serving as a cannon crew member in a field artillery unit for six years. During my service, I also attended Fresno State, where I majored in psychology.
I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my parents and sister throughout my journey. As I continue my path with North Central Fire, I feel honored to serve this wonderful community and to be part of the fire family.
Erick De La Pena
My name is Erick De La Pena, and I am 26 years old. I grew up in Clovis, California, and graduated from Buchanan High School in 2016. Immediately after high school, I attended Biola University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biblical and Theological Studies in 2019.
Shortly after completing my degree, I realized my passion for firefighting and took the first step by obtaining my EMT certification. I worked as an EMT for two years at American Ambulance, which provided me with invaluable experience before I enrolled in the Fresno City College Fire Academy. There, I learned the foundational skills essential to becoming a firefighter.
I am incredibly excited to begin my career in the fire service with the North Central Fire Protection District. I look forward to continuing to develop my skills as a firefighter in order to better serve the community that I love.
Nicholas Siewert
My name is Nicholas Siewert, and I was born and raised in Sycamore, Illinois, in 1981. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Marine Corps, where I proudly served four years in the infantry. Following my military service, I pursued my education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Health Sciences and later a Master's degree in Education. For nine years, I dedicated my career to teaching biology and chemistry before deciding to follow my passion for firefighting.
I attended the Fresno City Fire Academy and graduated with Class 62, marking a significant milestone in my journey. Now, I reside in Fresno with my wonderful wife, Maria, and our beloved dog, Bear. In my free time, I enjoy working on my truck, hiking, and fishing. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the North Central Fire family and look forward to serving and contributing to this vibrant community.
Branden Bell
My name is Braden Bell, I am 23 years old and was born and raised in Fresno, California. After graduating from Fresno Christian High School in 2020, I continued my education at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. During my time in college, I worked as a photographer while staying dedicated to my studies, ultimately earning my bachelor’s degree in accounting in just three years. I graduated in April 2023 and returned home, where I married my high school sweetheart. Inspired by my uncle's career in firefighting, I decided to follow in his footsteps. My passion for being a first responder blossomed during a year spent working on an ambulance and completing the Fresno City College Fire Academy. I am honored to have received an offer to work with the North Central Fire Protection District, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to develop my skills and serve the community I love.
Connor Moore
My name is Connor Moore, and I am 21 years old, born and raised in Fresno. I feel incredibly blessed to have a supportive family that has encouraged me throughout my journey and career. After graduating from Bullard High School in 2021, I quickly obtained my EMT certificate and later graduated from the Fresno City Fire Academy in December 2024. Becoming a firefighter has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.
In my spare time, I serve as a student ministries leader and am part of the worship team at my home church, Bethany Church Fresno. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and anything related to nature. I believe that God has blessed me with many wonderful experiences in life, and I am beyond excited to join the North Central Fire family, where I can serve the community we all love.
