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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.
Class 24-01 Badge Pinning
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.
Class 24-01 Badge Pinning
Group of seven firefighters in uniform posing in front of a brick building, including one in formal white uniform with medals.
Fresno City College Fire Academy Graduation
A group of uniformed individuals attentively listening to an instructor during a classroom presentation.
Chief Kutka instructing the class
Firefighters in gear practicing with a yellow training prop, daylight and outdoors. (Note: Image is rotated 90 degrees)
Recruit breaking into a door, on the training grounds
Firefighter in gear performing a task, fire axe on the ground. (The image is rotated 90 degrees to the right.)
Entrapment Prop
Three firefighters in full gear with hoses during a training or emergency response.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class
Firefighters training with equipment on a wooden structure. (Note: The image is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.)
Entrapment Prop
Firefighters with gear engaged in a training exercise or responding to an incident. Image is rotated 90 degrees.
A firefighter working amidst tangled wires and equipment.
Entrapment Prop
Firefighters practice with hoses, spraying water at a metal container in a training exercise.
Firefighters in gear descending into a smoky area.
Live Fire Training
Firefighter in gear crouching under a vehicle amidst smoke.
Live Fire Training
A firefighter in full gear inside a smoky structure.
Live Fire Training
A firefighter is kneeling on the ground next to fire hoses with a fire truck in the background. Image is rotated.
Firefighters spraying water during an operation, with hoses and protective gear.
Firefighters in gear crawling in a confined space with metal structures.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class exercising outdoors.
Firefighters with a hose entering a building.
Two firefighters with gear, one standing with a tool, the other seated with a chainsaw, near a fire truck.
Firefighters with hose entering a smoky area during a training or emergency response.
Live Fire Training
Two firefighters with equipment training on a wooden structure.
Firefighters in gear during a training exercise or emergency situation.
Two firefighters in gear training with tools outdoors.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class group exercise.
Two firefighters in gear using a chainsaw on wood.
Two firefighters on a roof with a chainsaw practicing ventilation techniques.
Firefighters with equipment, possibly during a training exercise or intervention. (Image is rotated)
Firefighters handling equipment near fire trucks.
Firefighters in gear with a chainsaw, near a ladder during a daytime operation.
Firefighters in gear, one standing and one kneeling, with a third person nearby. They seem to be outside a building.
Firefighters in gear, one kneeling, another sitting, and a third standing, possibly during a training or debriefing.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class
A firefighter carrying a hose with a firetruck in the background.
A group of firefighters in uniform with a red fire truck in the background.
Recruit Class 2024-01
A group of uniformed individuals, possibly firefighters, in a ceremony hall with seated spectators.
Badge Pinning Ceremony
Uniformed personnel marching in a hall with seated spectators, possibly a graduation or ceremony.
Badge Pinning Ceremony
Fire department uniform with badge, ID card, and commemorative coins.
Class 24-01 line of uniformed officers standing side by side in a black-and-white photo.
Rows of firefighter helmets on blue tablecloth.
Fire department badges and IDs on a blue cloth with firefighter helmets in the background.
A firefighter's helmet with reflective stickers and a badge reading "North Central Firefighter."
Group of uniformed individuals in a procession, likely part of a formal event or ceremony.
Badge Pinning Ceremony
Class 24-01 firefighters in uniform posing in front of the 1947 Dodge fire engine.
Recruit Class 2024-01
A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.
Tristan Melton
A person in a firefighter uniform stands next to an American flag.
 Joshua Odahl
Uniformed firefighter standing in front of an American flag.
 David Vega
A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform stands before an American flag.
 Eric Diaz
A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform in front of the American flag.
Austin Dudley-Nelson
A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform standing in front of an American flag.
Luis Zaragoza
May contain: accessories, formal wear, tie, flag, person, officer, and police officer
Natnael Wagenleitner
A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.
Zachary Vanderlinden
A person in a firefighter uniform stands before an American flag.
Gumersindo Ariel Lainez
Firefighter helmets on a table with a "North Central Fire" logo cloth.
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.
Group of seven firefighters in uniform posing in front of a brick building, including one in formal white uniform with medals.
A group of uniformed individuals attentively listening to an instructor during a classroom presentation.
Firefighters in gear practicing with a yellow training prop, daylight and outdoors. (Note: Image is rotated 90 degrees)
Firefighter in gear performing a task, fire axe on the ground. (The image is rotated 90 degrees to the right.)
Three firefighters in full gear with hoses during a training or emergency response.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class
Firefighters training with equipment on a wooden structure. (Note: The image is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.)
Firefighters with gear engaged in a training exercise or responding to an incident. Image is rotated 90 degrees.
A firefighter working amidst tangled wires and equipment.
Firefighters practice with hoses, spraying water at a metal container in a training exercise.
Firefighters in gear descending into a smoky area.
Firefighter in gear crouching under a vehicle amidst smoke.
A firefighter in full gear inside a smoky structure.
A firefighter is kneeling on the ground next to fire hoses with a fire truck in the background. Image is rotated.
Firefighters spraying water during an operation, with hoses and protective gear.
Firefighters in gear crawling in a confined space with metal structures.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class exercising outdoors.
Firefighters with a hose entering a building.
Two firefighters with gear, one standing with a tool, the other seated with a chainsaw, near a fire truck.
Firefighters with hose entering a smoky area during a training or emergency response.
Two firefighters with equipment training on a wooden structure.
Firefighters in gear during a training exercise or emergency situation.
Two firefighters in gear training with tools outdoors.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class group exercise.
Two firefighters in gear using a chainsaw on wood.
Two firefighters on a roof with a chainsaw practicing ventilation techniques.
Firefighters with equipment, possibly during a training exercise or intervention. (Image is rotated)
Firefighters handling equipment near fire trucks.
Firefighters in gear with a chainsaw, near a ladder during a daytime operation.
Firefighters in gear, one standing and one kneeling, with a third person nearby. They seem to be outside a building.
Firefighters in gear, one kneeling, another sitting, and a third standing, possibly during a training or debriefing.
2024-01 Firefighter I Class
A firefighter carrying a hose with a firetruck in the background.
A group of firefighters in uniform with a red fire truck in the background.
A group of uniformed individuals, possibly firefighters, in a ceremony hall with seated spectators.
Uniformed personnel marching in a hall with seated spectators, possibly a graduation or ceremony.
Fire department uniform with badge, ID card, and commemorative coins.
Class 24-01 line of uniformed officers standing side by side in a black-and-white photo.
Rows of firefighter helmets on blue tablecloth.
Fire department badges and IDs on a blue cloth with firefighter helmets in the background.
A firefighter's helmet with reflective stickers and a badge reading "North Central Firefighter."
Group of uniformed individuals in a procession, likely part of a formal event or ceremony.
Class 24-01 firefighters in uniform posing in front of the 1947 Dodge fire engine.
A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.
A person in a firefighter uniform stands next to an American flag.
Uniformed firefighter standing in front of an American flag.
A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform stands before an American flag.
A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform in front of the American flag.
A smiling person in a firefighter's uniform standing in front of an American flag.
May contain: accessories, formal wear, tie, flag, person, officer, and police officer
A smiling person in a firefighter uniform with an American flag in the background.
A person in a firefighter uniform stands before an American flag.
A smiling firefighter in uniform in front of an American flag.
Firefighter Jace Baker

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.
Firefighter Eric Diaz

 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.
Firefighter Austin Dudley-Nelson

  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.
Firefighter Gumersindo Lainez

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.
Firefighter Tristan Melton

 

 

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.

 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.
Firefighter Zachary Vanderlinden

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.
Firefighter David Vega

 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.
Firefighter Natnael Wagenleitner

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.

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.

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