About Morongo Fire
The Morongo Fire Department is responsible for protecting 110 square miles of reservation land that is comprised of a residential community, tribal enterprises and a 27-story, 44-acre casino. They respond to calls both on and off of the reservation and is staffed with a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Operations, 24 full time all-risk firefighters and an administrative assistant.
Mission Statement
The Morongo Fire Department’s mission is to provide essential emergency and non-emergency services to protect the lives and property of tribal members, descendants, residents, employees, and guests of the Morongo Indian Reservation and to protect the tribe’s historical, environmental, cultural and economic resources.
Vision Statement
The Morongo Fire Department’s vision is to implement and maintain innovative programs and strategies for life-saving education and training to the Morongo community. Our department envisions ongoing partnerships with other tribal departments, as well as outside public safety agencies, to promote an effective “All Risk” emergency response capability.
Morongo Fire Chief

Fire Chief
A message from the Fire Chief
As a tribal member and employee of our great Tribe, it is my greatest honor and a privilege to serve as your Fire Chief.
It is our mission to protect life, property, and the environment through education, prevention, and effective response to fire, medical and environmental emergencies in the tribal community and beyond. We have an extremely dedicated and professional workforce of 27 members who strive to accomplish that mission each day. We pride ourselves through the delivery of services, programs, and partnership agreements with county, state and local agencies.
I look forward to leading this department in the most professional, efficient, and cost-effective manner, while remaining committed to providing the highest level of services.
Our Staff/Organizational Chart

Our History

Morongo Fire Department
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
Abdul Ahmad
EMS Coordinator
Ken Cardin
FIRE CHIEF
Jason Carrizosa
BATTALION CHIEF
Berry Owens
ADMIN ASSISTANT
Alejandra Y. Leal
A Shift
Captain
Nick Ziegler
Captain
Tim Demlow
FAE Paramedic
Sebastian Jones
Engineer
Armen Asatourian
FireFighter/Paramedic
John Kinney
FireFighter/Paramedic
Nicholas Pepe
FireFighter
FireFighter
Roland Thissen
AO Paramedic
Jason Paculba
AO EMT
Ryan Doyle
B Shift
Captain
Ben Kepner
Captain
Jonathan Mainhart
FAE Paramedic
Michael Porter
FAE
George Miniet
FireFighter/Paramedic
Hailee Hellawell
FireFighter/Paramedic
Keith Donahoo
FireFighter
Jacob Hopkins
FireFighter
Christopher Ortiz
AO Paramedic
AO EMT
Stephen Ramos
C Shift
Captain
Scott Koenig
Captain
Ben Krone
FAE Paramedic
Tanner Briel
FAE
Pat Trakas
FireFighter/Paramedic
Adam Thaete
FireFighter/Paramedic
FireFighter
Myles Wheldon
FireFighter
Bryan Versteeg
AO Paramedic
Aaron Williams
AO EMT
Justin Burns