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Santa Fe Springs welcomes five new firefighter candidates; chief announces training completion

Santa Fe Springs City Council · April 22, 2026

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Summary

The city introduced five firefighter candidates who completed the department’s candidate firefighter training academy (about 270 hours). Chief Kozicki thanked staff and invited the public to a pancake breakfast at Fire Station 4 ahead of the Artfest.

Santa Fe Springs officials introduced five new candidate firefighters and celebrated their completion of the department’s candidate firefighter training academy.

"Over the past six weeks, they have completed our candidate firefighter training academy over 270 hours of training," Fire Chief Kozicki said, noting the recruits trained in fire suppression, EMS operations and crew coordination. The chief said each candidate will enter a probationary period and continue evaluation before being assigned as a firefighter for the City of Santa Fe Springs.

Chief Kozicki introduced the candidates by name and highlighted prior service and education: Daniel Garcia (auxiliary firefighter experience and recent recruit academy attendance), Ramon Maldonado (wildland and Long Beach Fire experience), Brian Barraza (explorer program and CAL FIRE reserve service), Matthew Zamboni (fire academy mentor and collegiate background) and Jorge Rodriguez (auxiliary firefighter and family business background). Several candidates spoke briefly, introducing themselves. Brian Barraza said, "My name is Brian Barraza, and I'm very fortunate to be here today;" Matthew Zamboni and Jorge Rodriguez similarly thanked the council for the opportunity.

Council members and the mayor offered congratulations and photos were taken with family members. Chief Kozicki also invited residents to a pancake breakfast at Fire Station 4 (08:30–10:30) and to the city’s Artfest and a drone show later in the day.

The introductions are part of the department’s onboarding and community outreach; newly hired candidates will complete probationary steps before formal appointment to active firefighting duties.