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Fire Chief Paul Riddle proudly introduced the newest members of the South Pasadena Fire Paramedics team. Riddle began by saying “I can tell you these individuals were hired at a very pivotal point in our department and we are very honored to have hired such qualified individuals.” In November the department will be holding a formal badge pinning ceremony where all new hires and recently promoted personel will be acknowledged including our new Fire Chief.
The new paramedics include Justin Miller who comes to us with nine years experience as a firefighter paramedic for 4 ½ years with Prince William, Virginia, and 4 ½ years with Montebello. Justin and his wife, Tracy, have been married six years and have a two-year-old son, Brody. Justin is a certified paramedic instructor, certified swift water rescue technician and was the CERT coordinator for the City of Montebello.
Scott McLelland has five years experience working as a paramedic in San Diego County as well as two years as a reserve for Manhattan Beach. He and his wife, Lacey, have an eight-year-old son and five-year-old daughter. Scott spends a lot of his spare time working as a mentor at the Union Rescue Mission downtown working with the homeless.
John Papadakis arrives in South Pasadena having worked for ten years as a firefighter paramedic in Running Springs. He has two children, six-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son. John is a certified arson investigator, a search and rescue technician, and he works and volunteers as a flight medic for San Bernadino Sheriff’s Department.
Joseph Monticone comes to us with two years experience as a firefighter paramedic with the City of Upland and three years as a reserve firefighter for the City of Laverne. He is engaged to his fiancé, Melissa.
Chief Riddle concluded, “It’s an honor for me to introduce these four new members of our department and as you can see we are certainly honored that we were able to hire such qualified individuals and we certainly welcome them to our team.”
Mayor Cacciotti said, “Chief, on behalf of the entire city and the City Council, we are honored, and gentlemen, we are so honored to have you here as part of the South Pasadena family. We hope you’re here until you retire. Welcome aboard!” The Mayor’s comments were met with enthusiastic applause in the council chamber.
Welcome to our fair city, gentlemen, may your time with us be safe and happy.
