Farewell Captain Disaster

By Ryan Peters, Fire Captain Aptos/La Selva Fire District

Back in 2007, Aptos/La Selva Fire Department Captain “Disaster” Mike Conrad began writing a monthly column for the Aptos Times. He reported on all sorts of public safety concerns including fire safety, wild fire and earthquake preparedness, winter storm safety, and summer season safety just to name a few.

Now a Division Chief, Mike Conrad has decided it’s time to retire after 33 years in the Fire Service. He leaves a family of firefighters and support staff who wish him the very best in retirement. Mike’s leadership and contribution to public safety and service has had an incredibly positive impact on all of us. His example and body of work has been adopted and will be carried on by many of his peers within the organization. Thank you Chief Conrad, happy retirement!

As Chief Conrad leaves, I have the honor and challenge of following in his footsteps as a monthly contributor for the Aptos Times. I am honored to have the opportunity to share important public safety information and other fire service news with you and your family. It’s all about keeping Aptos safe and prepared.

So first things first, I suppose I should introduce myself to all of you… I am a Fire Captain for the Aptos/La Selva Fire District and have worked for the organization for 16 years. I was originally hired with the District as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 2000 after working several years as a Paramedic with American Medical Response here in Santa Cruz County.

I am a born and raised Santa Cruz County local and a graduate of Harbor High. I studied at Cabrillo College and at Rancho Santiago Community College in Santa Ana. I attended and graduated Paramedic school in 1996 and later instructed the Emergency Medical Technician program and Paramedic program at Emergency Training Services for 12 years while working locally as a transport Paramedic.

The men and women of the Aptos/La Selva Fire District are privileged to serve you and are committed to provide the highest standards of fire protection, pre-hospital medical care, and safety to the community. I am looking forward to providing a monthly column that continues Chief Conrad’s message of preparedness while also expanding into some new territory as well.

In such a small community, in times of disaster or emergency, we must rely on each other to make sure everyone is safe and taken care of. I am a big believer in the power of community and the principle of service. As we move into 2017, I look forward to working with all of you to help keep Aptos safe and prepared.

Please feel free to stop in to one of our fire stations and say hello. Our stations are staffed 24/7, 365 days a year and the crews would love to show you around or answer any questions you might have about the Fire Service. From the Chiefs, the Captains, the veteran Firefighters and Paramedics, to the newest probationary Firefighters, we are all proud to serve you.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!