Imagine being on a team where every member runs toward wildfires, not away from them. For SDG&E's fire coordinators, decades of battling blazes and leading emergency responses aren’t just bullet points on a résumé; they’re the foundation of community safety. With a combined 150 years of frontline experience, they’ve traded fire shelters for prevention plans, but their mission remains unchanged: protect lives and the communities we call home.
For over two decades, SDG&E has pioneered wildfire preparedness by creating one of the nation's first utility-fire coordinator teams. Fire coordinators, including Burke Kremensky, Scott Perkins, Daryll Pina, Michael Rottenberg and Richard Veihl have served as volunteer firefighters, fire chiefs, and incident commanders. Their diverse fire investigation, prevention and emergency-management backgrounds help our company enhance emergency preparedness and interagency collaboration.
"We build relationships that help save lives," says Richard, fire coordinator manager. "Whether training first responders or coordinating during an emergency, we help keep communities safe and the power flowing. Trust is huge – it drives everything we do."
The team supports wildfire mitigation through fuel-reduction grants, utility safety training, and emergency-response coordination. Supporting 24/7 emergency response, agencies frequently ask for them to join in and collaborate on incidents at dispatches, a testament to their value. "We close the gap between utilities and emergency crews," explains Burke, a former CAL FIRE assistant chief. "Our work helps ensure everyone goes home safe."
Hands-on training at the annual wildland drill
This May 6-8, SDG&E's fire coordinators again lead critical electrical-hazard training at the San Diego County Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise in San Marcos. For more than 15 consecutive years, SDG&E has sponsored this event, where firefighters and law enforcement first responders practice real-world scenarios, including dangerous encounters with simulated electrical hazards.
During the training drill, fire coordinators demonstrate proper protocols for electrical dangers, emphasizing "safety, isolate, notify" procedures for approximately 750 firefighters. Last year, all but one group missed downed wires during simulations, highlighting the lifesaving importance of this training.
"These drills sharpen instincts," says Daryll, fire coordinator and former CAL FIRE assistant chief. "When responders spot hazards faster, they protect themselves and the community."
Beyond field exercises, the team educates thousands of firefighters annually through SDG&E's First Responder Outreach Program, covering gas and electrical emergencies.
Through relentless training and collaboration, SDG&E's fire coordinators prove that experience, teamwork and proactive preparation forge safer communities for all.
These drills improve communication, build trust, and ensure everyone can safely manage utility hazards. Plus, they keep SDG&E fire coordinators updated on the latest firefighting techniques, making them even better at protecting our communities.