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FIRE VELO

1 month ago

June 6, 2026 Presentation for
Tommy Minadeo
Ventrua County Fire Department
7:00 AM Oxnard Fire Station 6
2601 Peninsula Road
Oxnard

Ventura County Fire Department announces the line of duty death of Engineer Thomas “Tommy” James Daniel Minadeo. Minadeo, 32, from Ventura was diagnosed with job-related cancer last October and had been undergoing chemotherapy before his death on Friday, March 7. “Tommy was part of our fire family for nearly 10 years, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in response to our community’s public safety needs,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We now stand with Tommy’s mother, Diana Minadeo; fiancé, Vanessa Gubbels; brother, Anthony; and sister, Jackie Minadeo-Spittler, in grieving his passing and supporting each other.” Structure fires, hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies expose firefighters to numerous chemicals and toxins that significantly increase their risk of job-related illnesses compared to other jobs. “Firefighters work in a dangerous profession. We know the risks and we go anyway because we share a commitment to protect our community,” Gardner said. “That doesn’t make it any easier when you lose a good firefighter, family member and human being like Tommy Minade.

Tommy joined the Ventura County Fire Department as a seasonal fire control worker in 2015. The following year, he became a year-round fire control worker. In 2017, he was hired as a firefighter, graduating from Academy 54. He was assigned to Truck 54 in Camarillo, then worked at Station 26 in Santa Paula, followed by Station 31 in Thousand Oaks, Station 51 in El Rio, Station 55 in Camarillo and Station 53 in Port Hueneme. He was promoted to engineer in 2022 and served his final assignment at Station 45 in Simi Valley. During an incident, engineers drive the fire engines and ladder trucks to the scene, then operate pumps, ladders and other equipment needed as part of the response. Minadeo was active in many training cadres, including ladders, hose and wildland. Minadeo was a graduate of Royal High School in Simi Valley and Oxnard Community College, where he earned an associates degree in fire sciences. Minadeo’s interest in the fire service started early. He participated in the Fire Cadet program with VCFD in 2010, was a Wildland Explorer with the Angeles National forest from 2010 to 2012, and worked with the Little Tujunga Hotshots from 2013 to 2014 ... See MoreSee Less

FIRE VELO

1 month ago

Fire Velo will be presenting the family of Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Mike Brownlie at fire station 70 when the ride concludes tomorrow. Please join in honoring Captain Brownlie.

Mike Brownlie passed away on August 11, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. Mike began his fire career with the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1975. Mike served as a Firefighter before being promoted to Captain in 1985. In 2000, Mike was hired with El Camino College and worked as a Trainer for the Fire Academy, before being hired as a Part Time Adjunct in 2004. Mike has taught Fire and Emergency Technology courses as well as serving as a Primary Instructor for the Fire Academy. During his time at El Camino College, Mike was involved with over 50 fire academy classes, helping to train the future of the fire service! Mike’s favorite subjects to teach were Hazmat, fire control 3B and 4 and Wildland. Mike was a graduate of South Torrance High School as well as El Camino College. While also being heavily involved at El Camino College, Mike was a Master Instructor with the California State Fire Marshal Office. Mike’s passion for teaching and his dedication to the students and future fire service will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family, loved ones, and friends. Mike was 75 years old. Thank you for everything Mike…
DEDICATED, MOTIVATED, NEVER QUIT, TEAM. ... See MoreSee Less