Fire Command Staff

Alex Hamilton joined the Oxnard Fire Department as a Firefighter in 2005 after previously volunteering as a Firefighter in Australia. Since becoming Fire Chief in 2021, Hamilton has served as the President of the Fire Chiefs section for the League of California Cities and now serves on the Board of Directors for the League. Additionally, he is the EMS Section Chief for the California Fire Chiefs Association, representing the EMS interests of fire departments across the state. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration, and Chief Fire Officer certification.

Chief Hamilton has diverse experience, including roles as a Grant Writer, hazardous materials specialist, and urban search and rescue team member. He co-founded the Oxnard Firefighters Foundation, Inc., and is involved in community initiatives like the VC Ribbons of Life Foundation. Chief Hamilton continues to be an advocate for firefighter behavioral health and wellness serving on the California FIRESCOPE sub-committee for behavioral health, the California Fire Service Behavioral Health Taskforce as well as an Master instructor for the IAFF for Peer Support and Resiliency Training. He has been deployed multiple times to assist fire departments after major events. He also serves as a Suicide Intervention Instructor and has received accolades like the Kiwanis Firefighter of the Year award and holds numerous educational and training certificates.

John Colamarino’s fire service career has thus far spanned 34 years with Cal Fire, Bakersfield, and Coalinga Fire Departments and the last 29 years with the Oxnard Fire Department. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration. After 15 years in Oxnard at the Firefighter, Engineer, and Captain ranks, he was promoted to Battalion Chief. His ten years as a Battalion Chief included time as Fire Marshal, Training Chief, and Operations/Suppression assignments as a Shift BC on multiple platoons. He has also deployed throughout California to major wildland fires as a Strike Team Leader, Task Force Leader, and Division Supervisor.

Chief Colamarino has overseen many programs as a Chief Officer, including Hazardous Materials, Ocean Rescue, Wildland/CICCS, and Radios/Communications. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2020 and serves as the Department’s Operations Chief.

Karsten Guthrie joined the Oxnard Fire Department in September 2001 after working as a lifeguard for Los Angeles County and Ventura State Beaches. He also served as a Volunteer Firefighter for Pepperdine University and Paid-Call Firefighter for Valley Center Fire Protection District. Chief Guthrie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Masters University and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technologies from Oxnard College, where he also attended the Fire Academy.

Starting on Engine 1 with a Haz-mat assignment, Chief Guthrie progressed to become a truck firefighter before becoming an engineer in 2006 and later a Captain in 2009. He served as Training Captain in 2017 before being promoted to Battalion Chief later that year. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various teams such as Peer Support, Haz-mat, Ocean Rescue, and USAR. He has contributed to the development of tools and resources for disseminating information within the department, particularly focusing on technological resources, and has been involved in training cadres for OFD fire academies.

Rose joined the Oxnard Fire Department as the Administrative Services Manager in 2023, bringing over two decades of public service and management experience from the County of Santa Barbara. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from California State University, Northridge.

Rose began her career as a bookkeeper for non-profit agencies before transitioning to public service in 2001. At the County of Santa Barbara, she served 13 years in various financial roles, including 10 years as a Department Finance Manager and the last 7 years as an Operations Manager. Her extensive background encompasses both financial and operational program management.

In her current role with the City of Oxnard, Rose manages the Fire Department’s Business Section, overseeing the Department’s $36 Million Budget and the day-to-day financial operations. She is honored to finish out her career in public service with the City of Oxnard, supporting the dedicated men and women of the fire service.

Stephen McNaughten has dedicated over 27 years to the fire service, starting as a fire dispatcher in 1998 and progressing through various roles such as firefighter, engineer, fire inspector/investigator, fire captain, and battalion chief. Currently serving as the Oxnard Fire Marshal, he oversees the fire prevention and CUPA divisions, managing 19 professionals who deliver fire protection, hazardous materials regulation, and safety services in Oxnard related to building construction, fire investigations, public information, and public education. His experience includes teaching fire technology at Oxnard College and EMT at Ventura College.

Certified in hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, and emergency medical services, Chief McNaughten also responds to federal disasters as part of the California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team 2. His academic credentials include a Master’s of Business Administration in Management and Leadership from the University of La Verne, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from California State University, Fullerton, and Associate Degrees in Fire Technology and Liberal Arts. He is a qualified Executive Chief Fire Officer and Fire Marshal with the California Office of the State Fire Marshal. Chief McNaughten resides in Oxnard with his wife and three children.

Nate La Russo joined the Oxnard Fire Department in 2003, with prior experience as an Explorer for the Fullerton Fire Department, a Volunteer Firefighter at the La Habra Heights Fire Department, an Ambulance Operator for the Huntington Beach Fire Department, and ski patrol member at two Southern California resorts. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technologies, Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Management, and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Administration.

Starting as a firefighter on Engine 62, Chief La Russo progressed to Engineer in 2006 and then to Captain in 2012. Promoted to Battalion Chief in 2017, Chief La Russo has been involved in training firefighters for over 20 years, teaching at Mt. SAC Fire Academy and participating in several Oxnard Fire Department Training Academies. Chief La Russo has served on numerous teams and cadres, including USAR, Ocean Rescue, Swiftwater, Haz-Mat, and Dive Search and Rescue. He oversees OFD Training, which includes recruitment, fire academy, probationary, and in-service training.
Chief La Russo holds several qualifications, incling State Fire Training Instructor, Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), Taskforce Leader (TFLD), Strike Team Leader (STEN). He is currently serving as a Safety Officer on CAL FIRE IMT2. While he is away from work, he enjoys anything outdoors with his wife and children.

Steve Reyes joined the Oxnard Fire Department in 1996 as a Reserve Firefighter, transitioning to full-time status in 1998. Throughout his career, he’s held various roles in Engine and Truck companies, focusing on skill enhancement. Chief Reyes is certified as a Hazardous Material Technician and serves on the RTF-7 Urban Search and Rescue Team, specializing in HERS and TSS. He’s actively involved in departmental safety initiatives, particularly in PPE research and development.

Chief Reyes has been a leader for the Oxnard Fire Department Fire Explorer Post #9244 and instructs at the California State Fire Explorer Academy. Awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2011, he’s committed to giving back through instruction at the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy. Certified by the California State Fire Marshal as a Company Officer and Primary Instructor, Chief Reyes emphasizes operational engagement and solid command principles for incident closure.

John Ceceña is currently serving in year 33 of his fire service career, John’s career began on the central coast where he served as a volunteer Firefighter and then moved to a full time Engineer position. John joined the Oxnard Fire Department in 1995. After 4 years as a Firefighter, he served as a Company Officer for 23 years. His tenure as a Company Officer included time spent as the department’s Training Captain. He has managed multiple basic training academies and coordinated the Skills Maintenance Training (SMT) program. He has also been instrumental in designing specialty apparatus for the department.

Certified as a hazardous materials specialist, urban search and rescue technician, and Regional US&R Task Force Leader, Chief Ceceña is also a State Fire Marshal Instructor in multiple disciplines. He has also been teaching in the California Community system for over 25 years. He currently chairs the Ventura County Urban Search and Rescue Working Group.

Chief Ceceña holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology from Allan Hancock Community College and is a State-certified Fire Officer. He is currently assigned to the A-Shift in the South Battalion where he manages the department’s Urban Search & Rescue Program and oversees facilities and NFIRS documentation for the department.

Battalion Chief Mike McCaslin’s journey in the fire service is a testament to his dedication and commitment. Born and raised in the cities of Oxnard and Ventura, he began his career with the Oxnard Fire Department in 1998. Over the years, he has demonstrated his capabilities and was promoted to Engineer, then to Captain in 2005, and finally to Battalion Chief in 2022. Chief McCaslin has been actively involved in various areas, including Hazmat, Fire Ground Survival, Rapid Intervention, High Rise Firefighting, and Peer Support. He takes pride in the development of his subordinates and assisting in promotional exams, showcasing his commitment to the growth of the department. He values teamwork, takes pride in the Oxnard Fire Department, and always considers himself a student of the fire service, a mindset that fuels his continuous learning and growth.

Chief McCaslin’s call sign is Battalion 82, assigned to B60, B-Shift. He oversees Department Radios and the Hazmat Team.

Scott A. Herring’s fire service journey began in 1987 with the Arroyo Grande Fire Department, followed by roles with various firefighting agencies including Kern Valley Hot–Shots, Vandenberg Hot-Shots, CDF, Warner Brothers Fire Department, and Vandenberg Air Force Base Fire Department. Joining the Oxnard Fire Department in 1997, he progressed through the ranks from firefighter to engineer and to captain in 2006. Chief Herring was promoted to battalion Chief in 2022, and today, is assigned to South Battalion 60, C Shift, and manages Ocean Rescue, Wildland and Honor Guard Programs.

Battalion Chief Aaron Baker joined the Oxnard Fire Department in 2000. He and his wife, Jill, have four children and have been married for 25 years. Aaron was raised in the Los Angeles area until he left home to attend Westmont College, where he completed a Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry. In his first five years after college, Aaron worked as a cancer research chemist while simultaneously attending the Allan Hancock Fire Academy and volunteering as an Auxiliary Firefighter for the City of Santa Fe Springs.

While serving with the Oxnard Fire department, Aaron has held the rank of Firefighter, Fire Engineer and Fire Captain before promoting to the rank of Battalion Chief. During his tenure with the Oxnard Fire Department, Aaron has served in the following capacities: Fire Explorer Advisor, Honor Guard Member, Fire Apparatus Design and Procurement Committee Member, Fire Engineer Exam Cadre Member, PEER Support Member, Hazardous Materials Technician, California OES Regional Task Force 7 Urban Search and Rescue Team Member. Aaron was also named the Oxnard Firefighter of the year in 2010.

Battalion Chief Baker currently oversees the daily operations of Fire Stations 1,4, 5 and 7 on the C Shift Platoon while simultaneously managing the Oxnard Fire Departments Fleet of 32 Emergency Response Vehicles. Aaron considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Oxnard and its residents as a member of the Oxnard Fire Department.

Chief Stuart grew up and attended school in Oxnard, California. He started his fire service career as a fire cadet for the County of Ventura Fire Protection District. After high school, he was employed by the Ventura County Fire Department on their wildland crew. He then had an opportunity to attend paramedic school at Daniel Freeman Paramedic School associated with UCLA. After paramedic school, he was employed as a full-time paramedic for Oxnard Ambulance, now known as Gold Coast/AMR Ambulance. During this time, he was a member of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team with the aviation unit, and he worked as a paramedic on board the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter. He also worked as a seasonal ocean lifeguard for the City of Port Hueneme, California, and a part-time patrol officer for the Ventura District Harbor Patrol.

Later, Stuart became a firefighter for the City of Oxnard and graduated from the academy in October 1998. After graduation, he focused on becoming a hazardous materials specialist, a member of the Oxnard Fire Department USAR team, and a member of the Oxnard Fire Department Ocean Rescue Cadre. In 2003, Stuart was promoted to the rank of fire engineer and then to fire captain in 2005, assigned to Station 1 on the A shift. He would work at Station 1 on both the engine and the truck for the next 18 years. During his time at Station 1, he was involved with IAFF Local 1684 as an at-large member of the union’s executive board for numerous terms. Eventually, he was voted in as the president of Local 1684 and proudly served in that capacity for six years. In July 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief and assigned to B shift, where he still serves today.