April 2023

Lead Story - Police Canines

Congratulations on the Retirement of Chief Rich Thomas

Battalion Chief Rich Thomas has had a distinguished career in public service with the Woodland Fire Department spanning the last 37 years. Rich was born in Vallejo and raised in Crockett, California. Rich joined the Crockett Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16. He went on his first wildland fire as a volunteer and was hooked.

After high school, he continued his career by attending Columbia Junior College, enrolling in their two-year Fire Science program. While in college, Rich also worked and lived at the firehouse in their sleeper program. He joined CalFire (then known as CDF) working as a sleeper in the Schedule A stations at both Twain Harte and Sonoma. Rich, along with many of the other firefighters from College and CalFire, continued to make the fire service circuit testing at as many fire departments as they could apply for. Without even knowing exactly where it was located, Rich and one of his friends both applied for Woodland Fire Department. They ranked #1 and #2 on the list. Rich was the #1. He joined the Fire Department as a Firefighter on September 1, 1986. He commuted from Crockett for the first year of his career before moving to Woodland.

Rich was hired soon after the fire department had

expanded to include a third fire station, but spent a majority of his career at Fire Station 1. After 17 years as a firefighter, Rich was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain on August 1, 2003.

In September 2003, the Woodland City Council acknowledged through a proclamation Fire Captain Thomas’s action at a house fire, where he and his crew rescued a victim in zero visibility conditions, saving the victims life. Rich was promoted to Battalion Chief on December 1, 2012. He took on the role of training officer as a collateral assignment.

Rich is a steering committee member at the West Valley Regional Fire Training Consortium, and he has assisted with many hiring and promotional examinations. Rich has been involved in many aspects of the Woodland Fire Department, including the Fire Department Honor Guard, Arson Investigation team, President of the Woodland Professional Firefighters Association, lead instructor at the department’s new hire orientation academies,

uniform committee member, and certification board member.

Additionally, he built the department’s first grade program that is still in use today throughout all Woodland schools. Rich was a valued community member and resident of Woodland for more than 15 years, coaching youth sports and volunteering at various fundraising events. As a lifelong learner for self-betterment and the Woodland Fire Department, Rich became a State Fire Marshal Certified Company Officer, Chief Officer, and earned his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Junior College.

Rich has honorably served 37 years of dedicated public service to the community of Woodland. He is known for his leadership, mentorship, and friendship. Rich is a true leader. Many new generations of firefighters have learned from him and have received his words of advice and help. Battalion Chief Rich Thomas has left behind a lasting legacy within the department and in the community.

Congratulations to Fairfield PD's Detective Chapman and Stanford the K9, for Stanford's graduation!

Who is Stanford, you ask?

Stanford is a two-year-old yellow lab and the newest member of the Fairfield PD Peer Support program.

Honoring Bob Bell



April 3rd, Today was the celebration of life for Bob Bell. Bob was many things, including family man, musician, fire commissioner, veteran, and respected and much-liked member of the Winters community and far beyond, so an event in the fire station equipment bay that featured a jazz band, was MC’ed by a retired lieutenant colonel, and was attended by a large number of people spanning at least four generations was very fitting.

It seems so appropriate that Bob was a bassist. The bass is a foundational instrument: it creates stability, propulsion, tone, mood. The bass can float the whole musical boat higher, and you sure miss it when it's not there.

Here's to you, Bob, a bassist in music, community, and so much of life.

And sending love and condolences to Marlene, Lisa, Maurice and Sharaine Bell, and to all who hold memories of Bob close to their heart.

            Bob’s bass, with bow at the ready, was front and center today. On one hand, it reminded me of the traditional riderless horse at a funeral, which definitely tugged at the heartstrings. On the other hand, it was upright, seeming proud and ready to dance or sing as it stood facing the assembled family and friends.

Welcome to Our

New Sports Section

Vanden High School Graduate, Jaiden Moody, earned top Scholar-Athlete Honor at Mount Olive

Vanden High School's Jaiden Moody - Click Here for the Full Story!

Community Uplift

Congratulations to Vacaville's Police Officer of the Year!

Vacaville Police Officer, Andy Stefenoni was recently honored as the department's Officer of the Year for 2022. Stefenoni was singled out for his work within the department as a field training officer, SWAT team member, and instructor and is now assigned to the Community Response Unit where he will be working with the city's unhoused to get them the help they need.

(Joel Rosenbaum / The Reporter)

Congratulations to Benicia's Fire Fighter of the Year!

Benicia Fire Captain, Alan Bates, was awarded the Benicia Firefighter of the Year award Friday evening at the Annual Firefighter Night of Honor in Fairfield.

 Thank you, Alan, for your leadership and commitment to our community.

Academic Preparation



Firefighters use many different skills to perform routine duties. They must be competent in several areas including physical science, mathematics, chemistry, biology and mechanical reasoning. The message is simple – study hard and in addition to mastering the basic subjects of reading, writing and mathematics, choose classes that will serve you well as a firefighter.

A firefighter needs general knowledge of physics and building construction to put out fires, perform rescue operations or inspect public buildings for fire safety violations.

As a first responder to medical emergencies and vehicle accidents, a firefighter relies on extensive medical training. Consequently, many fire departments require firefighters to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or licensed paramedic. Taking biology and physiology in school will give you a head start in this training.

Firefighters use mathematics to perform hydraulic calculations. Therefore, a strong foundation in mathematics is necessary for the job. Advanced math such as algebra and geometry have proven to be helpful.

Knowledge of chemistry and environmental ecology is necessary when responding to hazardous material and wildfire incidents.

Firefighters maintain fire equipment and apparatus and would benefit from such classes as welding, woodshop and auto mechanics.

Some departments require a Firefighter 1 Certification.

Most California fire departments require a passing score on the

FCTC Written Exam

Dixon Police Department Honors Three Candidates

The Dixon Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of three internal candidates to leadership positions within the department. Lt. Jenna Cameron, Lt. Mick Geisser, and Sgt. Alberto Oliveira have all been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Sergeant, respectively.

The promotion of these three outstanding officers is a reflection of the department's commitment to promoting from within and recognizing the contributions of our dedicated employees. They represent the next generation of leadership for the police department and will be instrumental in the next evolution of the department.

"I am thrilled to promote these three exceptional officers to leadership positions within our department," said Chief Robert Thompson. "Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community make them ideal candidates for these positions. We are excited to see them lead and inspire our team to continue providing excellent service to our community."

Lieutenant Jena Cameron joined the department in 2005 and has held a variety of positions, including Detective, Investigations Supervisor, Watch Commander, and Community Services Supervisor. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable in her new role as a Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Mick Geisser has been a member of the department since 2005 and has served in various capacities, including Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Watch Commander, and Investigations Supervisor. His experience and dedication to the department will be a great asset in this new leadership role.

Sergeant Alberto Oliviera has been a valued member of the department since 2017 and has proven his commitment to serving and protecting our community. His promotion to Sergeant is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and leadership skills.

The Dixon Police Department congratulates Lt. Jenna Cameron, Lt. Mick Geisser, and Sgt. Alberto Oliveira on their promotions and wishes them continued success in their new roles. The department is proud to have such talented and dedicated individuals serving our community.

Story by Tom Cordova

Captain | Dixon Police Department

Upcoming Events

We Need Your Support!

As we start a new year, don’t forget to pay your annual dues to continue your membership in the 100 Club of Solano and Yolo Counties!

Many members have let their membership lapse, so now is a good time to renew!

The 100 Club has ongoing costs for supporting family members of fallen officers, as well as the need to support our scholarship fund, and other activities.

The pandemic has restricted our fund-raising activities and we really need your support! We’ve made it easy for you to renew. Just go to the Membership page of our website and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Please use the family and friends' option when donating - no charges!!

100 Club Membership

Thank you for your continued support of the 100 Club of Solano and Yolo Counties!

Use the Code Below to Give to the 100 Club - Non-Specific Giving

Commitment to Community

Medic Ambulance has a rich history of providing quality advanced life support ambulance services in the North San Francisco Bay area. We are the exclusive 911 ambulance provider for all of Solano County with the exception of Vacaville.

Medic offers an array of services ranging from EMT/BLS level of care, to Paramedic/ALS care, as well as emergency or non-emergency transportation. Medic has been proudly offering these services as company staples for over 40 years.

Medic Ambulance is a family business with strong ties to the community. We support our community in a variety of ways, including offering ambulance stand-by services for special events.

Visit us at https://www.medicambulance.net/

Locations

506 Couch Street

Vallejo, CA 94590

3300 Business Drive

Sacramento, CA 95820

Tel: 707-644-1761

Fax: 707-644-1784

Dispatch: 707-644-8989

Meet Sandra Butler, Realtor, Century 21 Fairfield

SHOP, BUY, AND SELL LOCAL WITH YOUR LOCAL REALTOR!!

My enthusiasm for real estate comes from being a long time resident of Solano County. My family moved to Green Valley in 1975. My dad was a local Realtor for many, many years and my mom is a retired FSUSD teacher. I am a graduate of Armijo High School and the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. My two sons, Blake and Spencer, are also Armijo High School graduates!

I have been part of many of my own real estate transactions, i.e., built 2 custom homes, remodeled my first owned townhome, all in Solano County. I also purchase investment properties and land both within and outside of Solano County.

I have always had a passion for real estate! In fact, I worked in the mortgage business from 1983-1997. I have had my CA real estate license since 1992. My career as a mortgage loan underwriter, loan officer, and loan processor in the wholesale and secondary market led me to a very successful contract underwriting business. I specialized in pre-undewriting home loan packages prior to submitting the loan for underwiting approval with a lender. The payoff benefited all parties with quick loan approval and very satisfied customers.

I currently hold my license under C entury EPIC in Fairfield, CA. I have received numerous awards such as 2015, 2017, 2020 C21 Master Ruby Producer; 2016 C21 Diamond Producer; 2017 C21 Quality Service Producer; 2018,2019, 2020 C21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer and 2021 Masters Emerald producer and Quality Service Producer. As a Quality Service Producer, I received customer surveys from my clients each year with an average survey score of at least 95 percent or better. It is quite an honor and a wonderful feeling to know that my dedication to my clients shows paid off!

I am active in my community. Over the course of the years I was involved with Suisun Valley School fundraisers, PTA, and annual SV Auction (9 years). Other involvement was in the Suisun Valley 4-H (6 years); Armijo Sober Grad Nite (8 years & counting); a member of the Sons & Daughters of Italy; and a donor to several local causes, to name a few.

I believe in the "American Dream" of buying a home, and buying local real estate strengthens our community. I would love to have the privilege of doing all I can do to make your real estate "dreams" come true. Whether as a buyer, seller, or investor, you can count on my services and expertise. I am equipped and ready to assist you, your family, and friends. So please, call me at 707-592-6267. I look forward to serving you.

Citizens Financial

Citizens Financial has partnered with the 100 Club of Solano and Yolo Counties to become a valued member of our organization. Citizens Financial supports public safety and the goals of our organization: supporting families of fallen first responders, supporting the education of their minor children, and encouraging interested youth in careers as first responders.

Greg Ritchie, owner of Citizens Financial, is a Vacaville City Councilmember and is very active in the Vacaville community.

For more information about Citizens Financial’s commitment to supporting public safety, click here.

Interested in a home loan from Citizens Financial? Click here.

Enterprise Holdings is proud to announce it has received a 2023 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) – an accolade that spotlights the most engaged workplace cultures in the world. According to Gallup, GEWA winners are recognized for their ability to challenge the status quo and “transform workplaces by putting people at the heart of their business strategies.”

This year, Gallup selected just 57 companies worldwide to receive the prestigious award. This year’s meta-analysis included over 2.7 million employees across 54 industries and utilizes criteria from Gallup's Q12 survey, which ranks employee engagement, specific business metrics and commitment to the organization. 

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized among the top organizations in the world for providing an exceptional workplace for our more than 80,000 Enterprise Holdings employees across the globe," Enterprise Holdings Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources Shelley Roither said. "Jack Taylor founded this organization on the lasting idea to ‘take care of your customers and your employees first, and everything else will follow,’ so this award is fitting recognition for our continued focus on creating an exceptional place to work and grow your career.”

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