Firefighter Hector Vasquez

This year's Firefighter of the Year started his fire service career as an Explorer while in high school in Newhall, California. He served in that capacity with the Los Angeles County Fire Dept. where he continued his studies at the College of The Canyons. Hector moved to Fresno in 1999 and attended fire science courses at Fresno City College where he earned his A.A. degree. He became a member of the Fresno Fire Department in 2007.

In addition to his regular duties as a Fresno firefighter Hector has been spearheading the Fresno Fire Department's own Explorer program for over two years. The Explorer program is a department sponsored youth program which gives young qualifiers the opportunity to train and become familiar with tools, equipment and expectations normally encountered in fire fighting services.

Hector is married to his wife Breeanne and they have two sons.

Host Tom Wright and honoree Hector Vasquez.