The Montecito Fire Department recognized the recent promotions of four employees with a ceremony Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Fire Station 91. Family, friends, colleagues and community members were invited to attend to celebrate the employees’ professional accomplishments.
Andy Rupp was promoted to Fire Engineer. Engineer Rupp has been a member of our Montecito Fire Department for 9 years. While in college at UC San Diego, he did a fire department ride-along and decided to pursue a career as a firefighter. He was hired by Oxnard Fire Department in 2012, serving the community where he grew up. He joined Montecito Fire in 2016 as a firefighter/paramedic and has been highly involved in the department as a member of our dispatch cadre, South Coast Hazmat Team, Urban Search & Rescue and our training committee. He also serves as our department’s Peer Support team lead.
David Johnson was promoted to Fire Captain. Captain Johnson joined the Montecito Fire Department in 2017 as a firefighter. He brought more than 12 years of experience to our organization from his time with Oxnard City Fire where he promoted through the ranks from firefighter to captain. Before that, his fire service career began in South Africa where he grew up and worked as volunteer firefighter during his high school years. In 2023, he was promoted to Engineer and we are pleased to now recognize his promotion to Captain…