Patrick T. Winters
Scotts Valley
Summary
Accomplished chief officer with over 25 years of progressively increased responsibility and supervision, currently serving as Interim Assistant Fire Chief with the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County. Demonstrated expertise in managing district-wide operations, developing long-term strategy in alignment with Board goals, and leading multi-division teams with a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and community service. Proven capability as a leader, personnel manager, and program lead with comprehensive understanding of finance, governance, and organizational development. Dedicated to fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and quality service delivery across all levels of the fire district.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Assistant Fire Chief
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.2025 - Current
- Direct oversight of all district operations including community risk reduction, operations, training, fleet, and logistics.
- Under direction of the Fire Chief and elected Board, led strategic initiatives, implemented directives, and enhanced district programs.
- Provided interagency coordination and regional approach to programs and services.
- Assisted in the development of department budgets to ensure adequate funding for personnel, equipment, and training.
Division Chief, Fleet and Logistics
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed multi-million dollar fleet, supply chain, and capital replacement plans.
- Oversaw logistics support for daily operations and emergency operations readiness.
- Developed procurement standards, vehicle specifications, and facility improvement projects.
- Optimized resource allocation by identifying opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining high-quality outputs.
- Developed strategic plans in alignment with organizational goals, setting clear expectations and priorities for the division.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop cross-functional initiatives for organizational success.
Battalion Chief of Training
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Directed all training and continuing education programs for operations personnel.
- Led new-hire academies, officer development, and coordinated live fire training compliance.
- Enhanced firefighter safety through the implementation of comprehensive training programs and adherence to strict safety guidelines.
- Implemented updated evaluation systems aligned with district strategic goals.
Battalion Chief
Central Fire Protection District
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed 24-hour shift operations, incident response, and command support.
- Collaborated in policy development during district consolidation efforts.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the department by encouraging feedback from all personnel and prioritizing ongoing training opportunities.
Fire Captain / Captain Paramedic
Central Fire Protection District
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Supervised company-level personnel and operations.
- Served as EMS Field Training Officer and member of EMS Management Team.
- Mentored new firefighters in developing essential skills and understanding departmental expectations for performance excellence.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and completed written recommendations on probationary firefighters.
Firefighter / Paramedic
Central Fire Protection District
01.2002 - 01.2012
Firefighter
Central Fire Protection District
01.2001 - 01.2002
Paid Call Firefighter
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.1998 - 01.2001
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA04.2025
Associate of Science - Fire Protection Technology
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA01.1999
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Succession Planning
- Emergency Operations & Incident Command
- Fleet, Facilities & Logistics Management
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Development
- Labor Relations & Union Leadership
- Training Program Design & Implementation
- Interagency Coordination & Public Engagement
- EMS Program Oversight & Accreditation
- Policy Development & Budget Management
Certification
- Executive Chief Officer – California State Fire Marshal (2024)
- Chief Officer – California State Fire Marshal (2016)
- Fire Officer – California State Fire Marshal (2007)
- Firefighter II & I – California State Fire Marshal (2004)
- Paramedic – National Accreditation (NCTI, 2002)
- AH-330 Strike Team Leader and Qualified CICCS STEN Trainee
Timeline
Interim Assistant Fire Chief
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.2025 - Current
Division Chief, Fleet and Logistics
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.2024 - 01.2025
Battalion Chief of Training
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.2022 - 01.2024
Battalion Chief
Central Fire Protection District
01.2021 - 01.2022
Fire Captain / Captain Paramedic
Central Fire Protection District
01.2012 - 01.2021
Firefighter / Paramedic
Central Fire Protection District
01.2002 - 01.2012
Firefighter
Central Fire Protection District
01.2001 - 01.2002
Paid Call Firefighter
Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
01.1998 - 01.2001
Associate of Science - Fire Protection Technology
Cabrillo College
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science
Anna Maria College
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