Poway Fire celebrated two years of fire personnel achievements at its Badge Ceremony on February 25, and for the first time ever presented Valor and Lifesaving Awards to seven members of the department who went above and beyond the call of duty.
From Fire Chief down to Firefighter, 19 members of the Fire Department were officially pinned with their new badges:
- Brian Mitchell - Fire Chief
- Chuy Ramirez - Deputy Fire Chief
- Steve La Corte - Battalion Chief
- David Ontiveros -Fire Captain
- Phillip Watson - Fire Captain
- Mike Strawn - Fire Captain
- Mike McKeever - Engineer
- Brandon Gray - Engineer
- Brennan Baker - Engineer
- Joseph Breda -Engineer
- Brendan McComb - Firefighter
- Adam Sheerman-Firefighter
- Michael Caro - Firefighter
- Max McSparren-Firefighter
- Chris Torres-Firefighter
- Oliver Schnitzenbaumer - Firefighter
- Tim Anaya - Firefighter
- Hunter Silvas - Firefighter
Three firefighters received a Valor Award, which recognizes heroism and extraordinary effort, under hazardous conditions and with imminent personal risk, to save the life of another person. Mark Chamberlain, Jonathan Marshall and Brennan Baker were recognized for their rescue work during a mutual aid call following the intense rainstorm that flooded parts of central San Diego in January 2025.
Four firefighters receive a Lifesaving Award, to recognize members of the Fire Department who are principally involved in saving the life of another person and whose personal actions were directly responsible for the lifesaving act. Matt Monahan was honored for rescuing a swimmer caught in a rip current while off duty at the beach. Joshua Fernandes, David Ontiveros and Mike Strawn were honored for rescuing a man from a home engulfed in flames.
View photos from the 2026 Poway Fire Department Badge Ceremony.