East Fork hires new operations chief

The East Fork Fire Protection District has hired Michael Shockey to lead the District’s Operations Division.

The Operations Division is responsible for all incident responses and includes the largest number of personnel.  

Shockey served as the operations chief for the Modesto Fire Department in central California.  He had a 27-year career at the Modesto Fire Department and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Shockey was selected from a pool of 18 applicants.  His selection was officially announced by District Fire Chief Tod Carlini at the District’s July 16 board meeting.

“Shockey brings with him an extensive fire and emergency medical services background,” Carlini said. “He served in every position up to the rank of Deputy Chief of Operations with Modesto Fire Department starting in 1998.” 

Prior to his entering the career ranks, he served as a volunteer with the Valley of the Moon Fire District which is now Sonoma County Fire Protection District.

Schockey holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Modesto Junior College and has a strong background in employee and leadership development, succession planning, recruitment, health and wellness, and labor relations.

Shockey will be replacing Deputy Chief Scott Gorgon, who has served in that position for the past two and a half years as a contract position and consultant. 

Carlini noted that under Gorgon, the district was able to advance its mission in several areas and brought an “employee centered” philosophy forward which encouraged employee engagement in the organization. 

“I want to offer my sincere appreciation for all that Deputy Chief Gorgan has done for the organization and the Operations Division,” Carlini said.

 “I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of men and women here at East Fork Fire,” Shockey said. “I look forward to maintaining and expanding the excellent service provided to the communities we serve.”

Shockey has been busy with daily orientation sessions and getting out to the stations to meet the personnel.  Several priority orientation items have been established for him and he is working hard to meet those objectives within his first 45 days. 

The East Fork Fire Protection District provides all-hazard services to 96 percent of Douglas County and responds to 7,000 calls for service annually.