Lakeside Fire Promotes Two

Lakeside, CA -

The Lakeside Fire District recently promoted two veteran employees. In a brief ceremony at the December 9, 2014, fire board meeting, Fire Chief Andy Parr presented new badges to Chris Downing and Jon Jordan.

Downing, a 15-year district veteran was promoted from the position of Engineer to Captain. Captain Downing is involved in many aspects of district operation including Reserve Firefighter shift coordinator, small engine repair and service, Personal Protective Equipment, and training. Chris is assigned to Fire Station 3 on A-division.

Firefighter-Paramedic Jordan, a 10-year employee, will assume the position of Engineer at Engine 1 on C-Division.  Jon also keeps very busy as a member of both the Apparatus and EMS committees. He also has served as a shift training medic and helped with the new tablet-based engine company fire inspection program.

Fire department promotions are based on a highly competitive testing process and are the result of hard work and preparation.

We wish both of these firefighters all the best as they assume their new responsibilities.


Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District.

Nathan Fox Promotes to Engineer

Lakeside, CA-

On July 3, 2012, Firefighter Nathan Fox was promoted to the position of fire engineer. This promotion will put Nathan in the driver seat of district apparatus. Nathan's new duties will include driving and maintaining fire apparatus, operating fire pumps, repairs, and fire suppression activities.

Nathan's wife Deanna proudly pins his new engineer badge onto his uniform.

Nathan's path into the fire service began at Mt San Antonio College (in Walnut, CA) where he studied in the fire science degree program. During this time he was also employed by the Anaheim, and La Habra Heights Fire Departments, as a reserve and paid-call firefighter.

Nathan and wife Deanna.

Nathan was hired on at Sycuan Fire Department in 1999 as part of the Golden Eagle Hotshot Handcrew. In 2000, he moved from the handcrew to the engine company where he assumed firefighter duties. Nathan found his way to Lakeside as part of the Lakeside-Viejas contract for fire services in 2002.

The process to promote to fire engineer includes a comprehensive written and manipulative exam that validates their ability to operate under numerous emergency situations. 

Currently, Nathan is assigned to Station #3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) on A-Division.

Congratulations Nate...!

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Melissa Buford

Lakeside Fire Board Appoints Andy Parr as Fire Chief

On April 27th 2010, the Lakeside Fire District Board of Directors by a unanimous vote, selected long-time district employee Andy Parr to be Lakeside’s next Fire Chief. Chief Parr, a 31-year fire service veteran, was hired by Lakeside in July 1979. In 1980, he successfully completed Paramedic training, was subsequently promoted to Captain in 1987, Division Chief in 2000, and Deputy Chief in 2008.

Chief Parr started his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter and was hired in 1977 as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. During his time with the USFS he was assigned to an engine company, and one of the few EMT's on the West side of the Ranger District. He also had an opportunity to fill-in as a  part-time foreman/module leader with the El Cariso Hot Shots. During his long tenure at Lakeside, Chief Parr has served in many capacities including EMS Coordinator, Training Chief, and Chief of Operations. Parr is also a member of the California FIRESCOPE EMS Section as well as the San Diego County Fire Chiefs' Association.

Chief Parr is a lifetime East County resident. He and his wife Janet are the parents of two sons and a daughter and live in Fletcher Hills. Chief Parr stated that he “is honored to lead the men and women of the Lakeside Fire Protection District.”

Lakeside's New Fire Chief, Andy Parr

Story and Photos Submitted by: Battalion Chief Chuck Tockstein