Alameda Fire Department Promotions

Published on April 29, 2019

Press Release
April 29, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
510-747-4714

Alameda Fire Department Promotions

Last month, Fire Chief Edmond A. Rodriguez announced five promotional appointments. Three Firefighters were promoted to Captain, including Khader (George) Nijmeh, Alex Barbour, and Phillip Fernandez; Apparatus Operator Robert Caruthers was promoted to Captain; and Firefighter Michael Navarro was promoted to Apparatus Operator.

Nijmeh started his career with the Salinas Fire Department in 2005 and joined Alameda Fire Department in 2010 as a Firefighter (Paramedic). Nijmeh serves as a rescue boat operator, technical rescue team member, TAC-Medic program manager with APD, fire investigator, rescue task force program manager, CISM team member, peer fitness trainer, and Local 689 C Shift Vice President.

Barbour started his career with the Alameda Fire Department in 2013 and serves on the wildland program, water rescue, and confined space teams, and as a Local 689 Executive Board Member. Barbour teaches Building Construction and Fire Control 3 for the recruit firefighter academy and is a CERT instructor.

Fernandez started his career with the Alameda Fire Department in 2008 as a Firefighter (Paramedic), has acted as Captain for the past five years, and serves on the apparatus committee, fire boat operator, chair for the Basic Life Support ambulance pilot program, and department CPR and advanced cardiac life support instructor. Fernandez has been the lead ladder instructor for the academy and manages the ladder maintenance program.

Caruthers started his career in 2001 with the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, and the Gold Ridge Fire Protection District in Sonoma County before joining the Alameda Fire Department in 2010. Caruthers is a member of the apparatus committee, water rescue team, and wildland team. He promoted to Apparatus Operator in 2017 and is a contributing member to many programs and committed to training AFD members.

Navarro started his career with the Alameda Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT in 2013 and serves as a Paramedic. Navarro has participated in the water rescue program as a rescue swimmer, instructed the recruit firefighter academy in ground ladders for the past four years, and serves as the Local 689 A Shift Vice President.