Alameda Fire Celebrates Promotions and Academy Graduations

Alameda Fire Department is celebrating the promotions and academy graduations of its staff members on Wednesday.

It invites the public to attend the ceremony on Thursday, May 2, at City Hall starting at 3 p.m. to celebrate the accomplishments of the following:

• Apparatus Operator Steve Menger
• Fire Captain Bret Coggiola
• Firefighter Alex Barbour
• Firefighter Ronnie Duong
• Firefighter William Lee

Captain Bret Coggiola has been a member of Alameda Fire for 17 years. He was promoted to Apparatus Operator in November of 2003 and has extensive experience as an Acting Captain. Coggiola is a member of the Water Rescue Team and a ladder truck instructor.

Apparatus Operator Steven Menger has more than 22 years of experience with AFD. Throughout his career, he has been involved in many programs, including Chairperson of the Emergency Medical Services committee, member of the Fire Labor Management Team, and a community volunteer for many projects. Menger is currently a Water Rescue Team member, ladder truck instructor, and a Rescue Systems 1 instructor.

Firefighter Alex Barbour is 25 years old and was born and raised in Castro Valley. Barbour was a reserve firefighter for more than five years with the Alameda County Fire Department. He also has more than five years experience in the commercial and residential construction industry.

Firefighter William Lee is 24 years old and is from Danville. Lee is working to complete his training as a paramedic. He worked at Ebbetts Pass Fire District for 3-and-a-half years as an Intern Firefighter.

Firefighter Ronnie Duong is 29 years old and was born and raised in the Bay Area. Ronnie received his Paramedic License in 2012. His previous work experience is with the USS Posco EMS/Fire Department as an Industrial Firefighter.

All five of these members are excited about beginning this next chapter of their fire service careers.