Over the past several years, the state has experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies and disasters. As these climate-driven natural disasters become more severe in California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) staff has met each new challenge head-on.
The nearly 2,000 staff at Cal OES have responded to increasingly complex disasters in fresh and innovative ways, strengthening the foundation of emergency management to prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
This week, Cal OES welcomes you to learn more about Chue Thao, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, with Fire and Rescue Fleet. The work he does helps keep Cal OES fire engines and equipment working and ready for deployment through the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
“The job has been challenging and rewarding. You have to put your knowledge and skills learned from past experiences and apply them as best you can to the position here. It has made me think outside the box a few times, but I can now use this as a teaching tool for others,” Thao said.
Prior to Cal OES, Chue worked as a Fleet Maintenance Supervisor with a global private company for more than 10 years running their fleet division of over 420+ heavy duty vehicles. Prior to that, he worked as a Shop Assistant and Fire Mechanic for over five years at Sacramento Metro Fire District.