The Schell-Vista Fire Protection District is thrilled to welcome three new full-time firefighters: Mickey Breen, 54; George Norton, 30; and Jayden Filippi, 21. This historic expansion is made possible through funding from Sonoma County’s Measure H, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in March 2024 to enhance fire prevention, protection, and emergency services countywide.

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Measure H, which took effect on October 1, 2024, is projected to raise approximately $60 million annually, providing vital resources to strengthen fire agencies across Sonoma County. The Professional Firefighters of Sonoma County, Local 1401, played a leading role in the Safer Sonoma County Measure H campaign, championing the need for improved safety measures and increased funding to protect local communities from growing wildfire risks and other emergencies.

“This is a monumental moment for fire protection in Sonoma County,” said Matt Tognozzi, President of the Professional Firefighters of Sonoma County, Local 1401. “Measure H represents the community’s trust in us to provide the highest level of service and protection. These new positions at Schell-Vista show exactly how this funding is making a difference, not just in the department but in the lives of the people we serve.”

The onboarding process for the new firefighters began in October 2024, with candidates undergoing rigorous oral interviews and physical exams. From an initial pool of eight applicants, Breen, Norton, and Filippi rose to the top, showcasing their skills, experience, and passion for public service.

“This is a paradigm shift for us, moving away from relying solely on community volunteers toward professional staffing that’s here 24/7, 365 days a year,” said John Bragg, a shift captain with Schell-Vista. “With three people guaranteed to be on the fire engine at all times, we can better serve our community and provide critical support to our volunteers.”

Honoring Volunteers and Promoting Growth

All three new hires bring valuable experience as volunteer firefighters, making their transition to full-time roles a natural step forward. This shift not only strengthens the department’s capacity but also creates opportunities for professional growth within the fire service.

Chanton Em, Director of the Schell-Vista Firefighters and member of Local 1401, emphasized the impact of these hires: “This is a proud day for Schell-Vista and for Sonoma County as a whole. These new firefighters are stepping into roles that will directly impact the safety and resilience of our community. It’s inspiring to see former volunteers like Norton, Filippi, and Breen continue their commitment in full-time capacities.”

For Norton, the chance to join Schell-Vista full-time is deeply personal. “I was working at Bennett Valley as an intern when I lost my house in Coffey Park during the 2017 Tubbs Fire,” Norton shared. “The chiefs at Schell-Vista brought me in, gave me a roof over my head, and changed the trajectory of my life. This is my opportunity to give back to the community that stood by me.”

Filippi echoed similar sentiments, having started his journey with Schell-Vista as an explorer firefighter at age 14. “Being born and raised in this community, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to give back and serve as a firefighter,” Filippi said.

For Breen, a 28-year veteran volunteer, the transition to full-time employment alongside younger firefighters like Norton and Filippi is a rewarding milestone. “The chief and his family have been like my own family for years,” Breen said. “Being able to continue serving this department full-time is truly special.”

Building a Safer Future

Before officially beginning their roles, the three hires are completing an intensive two-week training academy tailored to their existing firefighting experience. This training ensures they are prepared to meet the demands of a community that has faced its fair share of challenges from wildfires and emergencies.

“We take this really seriously,” Bragg said. “The community is making an investment in these three firefighters, just as we are investing in their training. We want to ensure they’re ready to serve the fire district well and deliver on the promise of Measure H.”

President Tognozzi added, “This is exactly what Measure H was designed to do—strengthen fire departments, support the people on the front lines, and ensure every resident feels safer knowing their fire service is well-equipped and well-staffed.”

The Schell-Vista Fire Protection District’s move to hire full-time firefighters represents a critical step toward ensuring Sonoma County’s residents are better protected from future fires and emergencies. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Local 1401 and the support of Measure H, the department is better equipped than ever to meet the needs of the community.

“We are excited to see what this new chapter brings,” said Em. “Our union is committed to supporting these firefighters and the entire Schell-Vista team as we work together to keep our community safe.”

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Some information for this article was sourced from the Sonoma Index-Tribune.

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