Welcome to my CDF/Cal Fire Registry History Page. My name is Candace Gregory , and this is a short Historical perspective of my time with the organization. My Training, Assignments, Calls, Incidents and Adventures that I recall as vivid memories. My co-workers and friends often called me .
My First Assignment with CDF began in : 1977. I Retired in : 2009
Assigned Work Locations : June 2006 – December 30, 2009 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Chief, Southern Operations) Director Ruben Grijalva as the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) appointed Chief Gregory as Chief, Southern Operations June 1, 2006. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of non-federal wildlands, responding to emergencies, and protecting and enhancing forests, range lands and watersheds. In addition, the department provides varied emergency services in 36 of the state’s 58 counties via contracts with local governments. The department’s firefighters, fire engines, and aircraft respond to an average of more than 5,600 wildland fires each year. Those fires burn more than 172,000 acres annually. In addition, department personnel respond to more than 300,000 other emergencies yearly. CDF’s emergency response capability includes a force of nearly 4,000 full-time fire professionals, foresters, and administrative employees; 1,400 seasonal firefighters; 5,600 local government volunteer firefighters; 2,600 Volunteers in Prevention; and 4,300 inmates and wards that currently provide 196 fire crews. The department has a budget of more than $800 million. As the Southern Operations Chief I have the responsibility to manage the Administrative and Operational programs for the Southern part of the State. The Southern Operational area is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over (15 million acres) of State Responsibility lands (SRA). The Southern Operational area consists of 9 Operational Units; 5 contract counties; 101 State stations providing 143 engines; 20 Conservation Camps providing 103 fire crews; 7 Air Bases. Nearly 900 Schedule B full-time fire professionals, foresters, and administrative employees; nearly 1300 Schedule A full-time fire professionals and administrative employees. Also served as the Office of Emergency Services Region V Fire and Rescue Coordinator. April 2001 – June 2006 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Assistant Region Chief, Region IV Central Sierra Region) As Assistant Region Chief, I supervised the Units of Amador-El Dorado, Tuolumne-Calaveras, Madera-Mariposa-Merced, Fresno-Kings, Tulare, San Benito–Monterey and the Contract County of Kern. I was also responsible for the Administration of Region III Southern Region, which included the finances, personnel and capital outlay programs. As Acting Region Chief for several months, I supervised both Region III and Region IV. Reorganizations and title changes occurred throughout this timeframe, but similar duties continued. April 1996-April 2001 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Unit Chief, Madera-Mariposa-Merced) As Unit Chief for the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit, I supervised a complex Unit which provides wildland fire protection to 1,216,446 acres. The unit manages 11 CDF fire stations, the Madera County Fire Department, the Merced County Fire Department and the Madera City Fire Department, 1 conservation camp. During peak fire season, MMU staffs 17 Schedule “B” engines, 5 fire crews, 3 bulldozers, and 6 Madera County, 20 Merced County and 2 Madera City Engines under cooperative fire protection agreements. MMU’s Emergency Command Center (ECC) handled 24,607 calls in 2005; 497 were state fire incidents. MMU does not have a history of large and damaging fires to date, however, with the influx of homes into the WUI, this will change with time. In addition, Schedule A agreements include Madera County Fire Department under Contract for 70+ years; Merced County Fire Department under contract since 1988; Madera City Fire Department under contract since 1993; and Mariposa County Fire Dispatch only contract. I also had the opportunity to teach I-520 and 620 in Marana, AZ as part of an interagency team. January 1994 – April 1996 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Assistant Chief, San Bernardino Unit) As Division Chief of the Support Services Division, supervises personnel transactions, budget and finance functions, materials management, office procedures, Information Technology Services and Training. I coordinated the preparation of the State Operating budget, County Services 38, Fawnskin Fire Protection District and Joshua Tree Fire Protection District Budgets. I was responsible for liaison with various county departments. I also responded to various emergencies, including Liaison Officer and Alternate IC of CDF Incident Command Team 5. I was the Chair of the Incident Finance Committee (IFC). December 1991 – December 1993 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Assistant Chief, Sacramento) As Division Chief in the All-Risk Division, I recommended policy and procedures, prepared plans, and coordinated implementation of the department’s extensive all risk responsibilities. This included preparing politically sensitive plans for nuclear power plant response, radiological monitoring, hazardous materials, catastrophic earthquakes, volcanic eruption, riots, and war-caused disasters. I represented the department at meetings which included OES, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, CHP, the State Military Department, FEMA, etc. I analyzed cooperative fire protection legislation to determine impact on department programs, prepared department position recommendations, and worked with legislative staff. I coordinated the department’s FEMA recovery and managed CDF’s participation in the FIRESCOPE Program. I also managed development and implementation of the Emergency Services Program for the department. I also responded to emergencies and served as Agency Rep in the State Operations Center (SOC). I also served as a Board member on CDF Firefighters. January 1990-December 1991 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Battalion Chief, San Bernardino Unit) As Battalion Chief of the West Valley Battalion, I managed the operation of 3 CDF Stations and 4 Paid Call Companies. I coordinated and interacted with the agencies and jurisdictions within and adjacent to this battalion, including two forests (San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests), 3 counties (Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside), 8 Cities and 3 Fire Districts. As Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for the County Fire Warden, I represented him in internal and interagency relationships regarding coordinated efforts in this area. As Battalion Chief of the Mountain Battalion, I managed the operation of the Mountain Battalion, including 1 paid Contract Station and 1 Paid Call Company. I coordinated and interacted with the agencies and jurisdictions within the battalion, including the USFS, 1 city and 8 fire districts. I administered and managed the Fawnskin Schedule A Contract and budget. I also handled the administration of the Insect Control Program, a cost sharing program between CDF and San Bernardino County. I Developed policies and procedures for use of chemicals applied for CDF Insect Control Work statewide. I was a recipient of recognition for heroism in saving the lives of a reporter and photographer with the Visalia Times-Delta during the Case Mountain Fire in Tulare when the fire unexpectedly changed direction, putting them in a position of entrapment. June 1984 – December 1886 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Fire Captain, Butte Unit) As Fire Captain, I supervised the work of a fire suppression crew engaged in wildland, rural, structural and industrial firefighting, and rescue, medical aid and public assist incidents. While assigned to the Unit, I was assigned to Jarbo Gap and Oroville fire station including maintenance of emergency fire rescue equipment, personnel management, training, planning and assignment of work, public contacts and fire prevention. I was assigned to Training for the winters, where I taught classes to permanent and volunteer personnel. As a member of an interagency cadre, I assisted in the development and instructed Plans Section classes when ICS was integrated into CDF’s training. I also coordinated and taught the Basic Firefighter and JAC classes. June 2006 – Present California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Fire Captain, Fresno Kings Unit) As Fire Captain assigned to Coalinga Fire Station, I supervised the work of a fire suppression crew engaged in wildland, rural, structural and industrial firefighting, and rescue, medical and public assist incidents. I managed a fire station which included the maintenance of emergency fire and rescue apparatus and mobile equipment, personnel management, training, planning and assignment of work, public contacts and fire prevention. August 1981-October 1982 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Forestry Graduate Trainee, Region IV Fresno) As a Forestry Graduate Trainee, I had opportunity to explore many different facets of CDF in various short term assignments which included Fire Control, Fire Prevention, Engineering, Conservation Camps, Business Management and Resource Management. While a member of the Women’s Advisory Committee, I assisted in writing the Upward Mobility Handbook. June 1981-August 1981 June 1980-December 1980 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Fire Apparatus Engineer, Shasta Trinity Unit) As Limited Term Fire Apparatus Engineer, I drove and operated fire apparatus and equipment and led crews engaged in firefighting, medical aids and rescue, and pubic assist incidents. I performed station and mobile equipment maintenance and assisted in station management, public contacts and fire prevention. December 1980-June 1981 June 1979-September 1979 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Forestry Aid, Shasta Trinity Unit, Latour State Forest) I worked as a Forestry Aid in conjunction with a State Lands contract with CDF. My duties in this position included gathering and collecting data and information for preparation of forest management plans for nine State Lands parcels. I also worked as a Forestry Aid at Latour State Forest. June 1978-October 1978 June 1977-September 1977 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) (Firefighter, Butte Unit) As a Firefighter, I worked at on engine crews at Jarbo Gap and Oroville Fire Stations. June 1976-August 1976 United States Forest Service (USFS) (Firefighter, Siuslaw National Forest, Waldport District) As a Firefighter, I worked on a handcrew performing various handline construction around slash units and as a member of a 20 person handcrew on various wildland fires in the Western United States.Professional Experience
Professional Activities and Accomplishments
Education
A Recent Picture
