YEAR: 2023
Division Chief/Fire Marshal - Christopher Knapp
Honoring our Firefighter of the Year!
Division Chief/Fire Marshal Knapp is a graduate of the MPC Fire Academy Class 2006-2 and was recognized as the "Most Dedicated" by his peers. He came to the SFD in June of 2008 after spending time as a seasonal firefighter with CalFire at the Bear Valley Helitack base.
At SFD, he has built a substantial tenure as a key member of the hazmat team, serving as the lead instructor for forcible entry and ventilation. Additionally, he has held the role of SFD fire academy coordinator twice and is a state-certified fire instructor.
He maintains active involvement in the Training Work Group, Operations Work Group, and the work group dedicated to establishing the new SFD training facility. Throughout previous and recent administrative duties, he meticulously refined department-wide task books and spearheaded the development of the SFD Command Doctrine, playing a pivotal role in guiding all department members through this significant cultural evolution.
We are honored to recognize your accomplishments, Chris Knapp. Well-deserved and wishing you continued success in your remarkable career!
#FireFighterOfTheYear #CommunityHero #SalinasFirefighters #Firefighters #JoinSFD #FireCareers
YEAR: 2022
Fire Captain/Paramedic Steven Criste
The Firefighter of the Year award is given to someone who consistently goes above and beyond, exemplifies a strong work ethic, and inspires other firefighters. Collectively, Fire Captain/Paramedic Steven Criste, was voted and honored by his peers.
Captain Criste was hired in October 2011 and brought with him years of experience working as a firefighter and paramedic. He was promoted to the rank of fire captain in January 2018.
Currently, he serves as a program leader for several initiatives within our organization, including CISM peer support, tactical paramedic, EMS platoon training coordinator, and more! He is also deployable at the state level through Cal OES as a strike team leader, safety officer, and fire line medic.
In addition to all of this, Captain Criste continues to ride as captain and lead paramedic on our busiest engine company, Engine One, which serves the communities of South Salinas. He is a great role model for our members, both new and seasoned.
Please join the Salinas Fire Department in congratulating Captain Criste! Thank you for all your dedication and hard work! We are proud of you! #salinasfirefighters #salinasfiredepartment
Year: 2021
Fire Captain/Paramedic Jesus Ramirez-Regalado
Firefighter Ramirez grew up on the East Side in Salinas and graduated from Alisal High School in 2007. He proudly served in the Marine Corps as a Mortarman and worked up the ranks to become a Mortar Leader. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant upon completion of his contract.
Upon his return to Salinas Firefighter Ramirez explored the prospect of joining the fire service. He was selected and hired by his hometown fire department, Salinas Fire Department in October of 2014. In seven short years Firefighter Ramirez has become a Paramedic through the AFG Grant program, HazMat Specialist and is a member of the HazMat Team, is the Team Leader in our Honor Guard, took the lead for our Hose Cadre and teaches many subjects in our recruit firefighter academies. He has recently become involved in the leadership of L1270 and works hard to maintain a good working relationship with L1270 members as well as our management staff.
Firefighter Ramirez is a humble individual and works hard to make Salinas Fire Department a better place for our members and future members while providing the highest standard of service to our community.
Firefighter Ramirez has a can do will do attitude and inspires others to do the same. He has a passion for the city he works and lives in. He is a proud representative of our city and department.
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Ramirez on being named Salinas Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. His name will be forwarded to the Monterey County Fire Chief’s association for consideration on being named Monterey County Firefighter of the Year. Congratulations, well deserved!
YEAR: 2020
Fire Engineer Shannon Bryant
Congratulations to Fire Engineer Shannon Bryant for being selected as our 2020 Firefighter of the Year!
Engineer Bryant has been with the SFD for 18 years where his every day willingness to step up and fix what needs to be fixed regardless of what time of day it is, is always appreciated. Engineer Bryant does his job and more with a positive attitude day in and day out.
Outside of work, Engineer Bryant constantly seeks opportunity to help those in need- he has built homes in Mississippi and Fort Luis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, rebuilt a home for a San Diego Fire Captain after it was lost in the Witch Creek Fire, and built school furniture for an orphanage after the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.
His skills, talents and community dedication is nothing short of outstanding. Aside from being our 2020 Firefighter of the Year, he also received Monterey County Firefighter of the Year! We are so proud to have him in our organization. He consistently brings positive energy and a helping hand. Thank you Shannon for all of your hard work! Congratulations!