About Us
We are SHIELD TRAINING CENTER, the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Public Safety Training Consortium; an organization in the north state where public safety entities have formally joined forces to execute a vision to provide frequent and affordable training courses for all public safety organizations in our region.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, multiple attempts were made by the various fire department organizations in Shasta County to secure grant funding for a regional fire training center through local philanthropists. In the north state much of the technical training needed was unavailable and departments were forced to send employees’ out of the area at extremely high costs. The costs were so high that it limited the number of employees that could be sent for the trainings, if they could afford to send any at all. So, in 1998, the Shasta College Regional Fire Training Center Advisory Committee was formed to bring together regional fire organizations from Shasta, Trinity and Tehama counties to even further organize the effort for a regional training facility. However, as their efforts increased so did the training requirements, and fewer and fewer departments were able to maintain what was needed on their own. Their strenuous attempts failed time and time again and a deteriorating economy forced the hopes for this much needed facility to be placed on hold. Grant funding to support such a project required better times and a fine tuned proposal that had yet to be made.
So, it is with great pleasure that we present the newly formed SHIELD TRAINING CENTER, the Shasta-Trinity-Tehama Public Safety Training Consortium. Today, SHIELD is made up of nineteen Public Safety Member Agencies from our tri-counties. Located at 4300 Caterpillar Road, SHIELD has a training facility spanning nearly 48,500 square feet that includes seven classroom spaces, a mat room, a force option simulator room, five conference rooms, eleven offices and two additional breakout rooms with room to expand. It’s members also gain access to classrooms and training grounds at the brand new Shasta College Regional Public Safety Training Facility.
Through this collaborative effort, relationships will be forged and strengthened, culminating in a higher level of service to the public. The goal is to reduce, if not eliminate, the need to send employees away for training as the training will now be offered locally.
Together we protect and serve our community.
MISSION
To develop and provide effective and sustainable public safety training for responders serving Shasta-Tehama-Trinity counties.
VISION
To be a model multi-jurisdictional public safety training program for the state and nation, and to provide a higher level of service to our communities.
MEET THE BOARD
Sean O’Hara, Unit Chief, CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit – Chair
Sean O’Hara serves as the Unit Chief of the Shasta-Trinity Unit (SHU), Shasta County Fire Department (SCFD) Chief and Fire Warden with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in fire service. Sean brings extensive expertise in managing and overseeing complex fire and emergency operations. In his current role, he is responsible for directing and supervising 14 Schedule B fire stations, 23 Schedule A and volunteer stations, and various specialized crews, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) fire camps, CAL FIRE Fuels crew, and more. Sean’s leadership extends to overseeing over 600 personnel, including career and volunteer staff. Sean has been involved in many training cadres, as well as course coordinator and in curriculum development for different programs in the state. Sean holds an Associate of Arts degree in Fire Science from Shasta College.
Chris Smyrnos, Captain, Redding Police Department – Co-Chair
Captain Chris Smyrnos started his law enforcement career as a Dispatcher with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. In 2002, he was hired as a Police Officer with the Santa Maria Police Department and came to the Redding Police Department as a Police Officer in 2003.
Chris has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University and is currently attending POST Command College class 74. He holds several California POST certifications and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute class 467.
Chris has worked as a patrol officer, DUI specialist, Drug Recognition Expert and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, Field Training Officer, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Neighborhood Police Unit Supervisor, Professional Standards Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and most recently as the SHASCOM Director. As a Captain, he currently oversees the Field Operations Division of the Redding Police Department. Chris is active within his church community and enjoys traveling, mountain bike riding, and spending time with his family.
Eva Jimenez, Executive Director/Treasurer, SHIELD Regional Training Consortium
Eva Jimenez currently serves as a full-time Business instructor and as the Executive Director of SHIELD. She began her journey at Shasta College as a Business instructor 22 years ago in 2002 where she delivered courses in Business Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and other business-related topics. In 2010, she was promoted as Dean over numerous Career Technical Education programs, including Business.
She transitioned to Economic & Workforce Development in 2015 where she served as the Associate Vice President, then as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President up until January 2023. At EWD, she supervised several grant managers and was responsible for the outcomes of numerous grants totaling close to $45 million. Many of these grants involve partnerships with K-12 education and community-industry agencies.
In terms of community work, she has served as a member of the Redding Rotary Executive Board and Dignity Health North State Advisory Board and most recently named Chair of The McConnell Foundation Board. She also served as President of the California Community College Association for Occupational Education and on their board for 10 years.
Her most accomplished work at Shasta College has been as founder of the STEP-UP program, a restorative justice program which started in 2012. Since then, the program has served hundreds of students and received numerous awards and recognitions across the state. Most recently she represents, serving as the Executive Director, Shasta College in the creation of SHIELD, a partnership of public safety agencies in our region.
On the weekends she enjoys hiking and spending time with friends and family. She is a wife and a proud mother of two beautiful young ladies. Her most accomplished personal success story has been beating breast cancer in 2018!
Levi Solada, Lieutenant, SHASCOM
Lieutenant Levi Solada was hired as a Police Officer by the Redding Police Department in 2003. Levi has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and recently graduated from the POST Command College, class #70.
Levi has served the Redding Police Department as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant. Since promoting to Lieutenant, Levi has served as the Detective Division Commander, a Field Operations Watch Commander, and the SWAT Tactical Commander. He has managed the Field Training Program, the Hostage Negotiations Team, and the Bomb Team. Levi is currently assigned as the SHASCOM Director.
Ruby Fierro, Chief Probation Officer, Trinity County Probation, SHIELD Secretary
Ruby Fierro has enjoyed working in the field of probation since 1998. She earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminology and Corrections from CSU, Northridge in 2000. Ruby has served as the Chief Probation Officer of Trinity County since 2021. Ruby is married to a CHP officer, whose efforts to move north brought them from southern California. This allowed Ruby to have the benefit of working in several counties throughout California and Arizona. They have both served in the north state since 2006. Ruby has been a board member of the Shasta County Peace Officers Memorial Coalition since 2013. Ruby and her husband have a daughter who lives locally and works in health care. They have a son serving in the United States Air Force.
Trevor Galeazzi, Deputy Chief, CAL FIRE Northern Region
Trevor Galeazzi oversees the Northern Region Training program for CAL FIRE. Trevor began his career in the fire service in 1994 as a Fire Explorer and has since promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief.
Trevor has worked in a variety of programs including: State Fire Stations, Aviation, and an Emergency Command Center. Chief Galeazzi is involved in multiple cadres and working groups throughout the State. Trevor has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, is a registered instructor, and has completed his Chief Fire Officer certification.
Stephanie Bridgett, District Attorney, Shasta County District Attorney’s Office
Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie A. Bridgett has spent the last 22 years as a prosecutor in the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. She worked her way up through all positions within the DA’s Office serving seven years as a Deputy District Attorney, six years as a Senior Deputy and two years as the Chief Deputy District Attorney. In March of 2017, she was sworn-in as the 32nd District Attorney of Shasta County, making her the first woman to serve as Shasta County District Attorney since the office was established in 1851. She was elected for her first full term in 2018. In June of 2022, she was re-elected to serve a second term as the Shasta County District Attorney.
Throughout her career as a prosecutor, DA Bridgett has handled every type of criminal prosecution from misdemeanor cases to homicides. DA Bridgett’s top priority is equal justice for all, with a focus on protecting the children of Shasta County from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Upon becoming District Attorney, DA Bridgett formed the Family Violence Unit which specializes in prosecuting those offenders that harm our most vulnerable victims, including, children, elders and victims of Domestic Violence and stalking.
DA Bridgett graduated from California State University Hayward (East Bay) in 1996 where she obtained a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. In 2001, DA Bridgett graduated from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with distinction in the top 15% of her class.
Gerry Magaña, Deputy Chief, CAL FIRE -Tehama Glenn Unit
Gerry Magaña, currently holds the position of Deputy Chief of Operations for the CAL FIRE -Tehama Glenn Unit.
Throughout his diverse career Gerry has worked in both municipal and wildland fire stations, he has worked in the Training Bureau, and spent 12 years assigned to the Vina Helitack base. From there he promoted to Battalion Chief. He also spent 2 years as Ishi’s Conservation Camp Chief. Gerry has been involved with the CAL FIRE Incident Management teams for several years and currently holds the position of Deputy Incident Commander for IMT Team 6.
Gerry has been actively involved in many training cadres including Helicopter Operations and Safety, Helitack Captain, C-234 Intermediate Firing Operations, and served as the Lead Instructor for the Air Rescue Hoist Operations. He currently is one of the instructors for the C400 Extended Attack to Major Wildland Incidents.
Gerry currently resides in Chico, California with his wife and three boys. He enjoys traveling the north state hunting, fishing, camping, and supporting local sporting events.
Eric Jones, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Shasta County Probation Department
Eric Jones serves as the Assistant Chief Probation Officer for the Shasta County Probation Department with a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades in a variety of probation services. Eric brings extensive expertise in Evidenced Based Practices to reduce the risk of recidivism within our community. In addition, Eric has been active throughout his career in the law enforcement aspect of probation as well; overseeing the department’s arming program and Field Training and Evaluation Program. Throughout his career he has worked collaboratively with other counties, allied agencies within Shasta County as well as the Superior Court. In his current role, he is responsible for assisting with oversight of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility and personnel matters. Eric’s leadership extends to ensure the department is compiling and reporting accurate data to the state and keeping the department up on the most recent research available to continue efforts in rehabilitating those justice involved individuals in Shasta County. Eric has been training within the probation department since 2011, as well as other state wide training efforts such as Supervisor Leadership Academy. Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Arts Degree in Education.
Jacob Nicholas, Lieutenant, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Jacob Nicholas has been with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for 17 years working within the Law Enforcement Division. Nicholas’ career started as a District Game Warden within the North Coast Enforcement District working in the south Bay Area and transferring to Northern Enforcement District working in Colusa and Siskiyou Counties. During the past 10 years, Nicholas has been a Patrol Lieutenant assigned to Eastern Siskiyou, Modoc, Northern Lassen and Eastern Shasta Counties. Within the department Lt. Nicholas has been involved with developing an outreach Law Enforcement Program, served as an area recruiter for enforcement, and serves on the Departments PEER Support Team. Lt. Nicholas’ formal education includes receiving an AA Degree in Administration of Justice from Shasta College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Minor in Political Science from California State University, Chico and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Resource Management from Colorado State University. Lt. Nicholas also has been an adjunct instructor for Klamath Community College Criminal Justice Program teaching Administration of Justice and Wildlife Law Enforcement Courses. He is married to his wife Julia, and they have two sons, Joel and Jason and their daughter, Jenna. His hobbies include fishing, running, skiing and spending time with his family.
Justin Nunes, Lieutenant, Shasta County Marshal’s Office
Lieutenant Justin Nunes began his law enforcement career in 2001 with the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office after serving in the United States Navy. In 2009 Justin was hired by the Shasta County Marshal’s Office and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2022. Throughout his career, Justin has had the opportunity to serve in a number of capacities. These include, Custody, Patrol, Narcotics Investigator, Canine Handler, Training Officer, and nearly all assignments in the Marshal’s Office.
Quintan Ortega, Operations Division Commander, Red Bluff Police Department
Captain Ortega serves as the Operations Division Commander with the Red Bluff Police Department. He began his career in 1997 as a Community Service Officer with Red Bluff and was sponsored to attend the 103rd Law Enforcement Academy at Butte College. During his career at Red Bluff, Captain Ortega earned his Associate’s Degree at Shasta Community College, graduated from Simpson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, and held various specialty assignments and positions.
Coming soon! Anderson Police Department
Bio Coming soon!
Jerrod Vanlandingham, Fire Chief, Redding Fire Department
Fire Chief Jerrod Vanlandingham oversees the Redding Fire Department, beginning his career in the fire service in 1993. He began his service in Redding as an EMT and volunteer firefighter and attended Firefighter Training and EMT programs at both Shasta and Butte College prior to moving to Colorado. Returning to Redding after 25 years of service to the Longmont Fire Department with eight years as Chief of the Fire Services Division within the Department of Public Safety.
Chief Vanlandingham has served on numerous boards and commissions both local and international. His collaborative approach has been instrumental in improving ISO ratings, improved response plans and firefighter safety, health and wellness. He currently serves on the board of SHASCOM and is the Area 1 North Director for the California Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Chief Vanlandingham possesses a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration, and has attended the University of Maryland Fire Staff and Command School and received the designation of Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2018.
Scott R. Fredrick, Captain, California Highway Patrol – Northern Division
Captain Fredrick is a 26-year veteran member of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and currently serves as the Special Services Commander for the Northern Division of the CHP. Captain Fredrick began his law enforcement career in 1997 as an Officer with the CHP. During this time, he has been promoted to the ranks of Sergeant (2003), Lieutenant (2010), and Captain (2018), where he has served in five different CHP field commands including Redwood City, Hayward, Williams, Redding, and Yreka.
Captain Fredrick has been called to serve in three different administrative assignments within the CHP including its Academy, Protective Services and Northern Divisions. He is a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)-certified instructor for the First-Line Supervisors Academy, and has instructed law enforcement professionals on Accident Investigation, Criminal Apprehension, Asset Forfeiture, Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation, and Taser Electronic Control Devices. As Captain Fredrick believes in the shaping of our community through service, he currently serves as a Board Member with the United Way of Northern California, while actively participating on their Community Impact, Executive and Governance Committees.
Prior to beginning his career with the CHP, Captain Fredrick was raised in Redding, California, graduated from Enterprise High School, and obtained his Associate of Arts degree in Administration of Justice from Shasta College, Redding—a foundation which he credits with helping him achieve his leadership position in the field of Law Enforcement. He has earned Advanced, Supervisory, and Management Certificates from P.O.S.T. and is a proud graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session 267, in 2017.
Captain Fredrick is most inspired by his family, including his wife (married 26 years), son (20) serving in the U.S. Army, and daughter (17) who is a Senior in high school. In his free time, he enjoys training in CrossFit, listening to and playing music, firing up the BBQ, and spending time with his family (preferably outdoors).
Rob Sandbloom, Lieutenant, Shasta County Sheriff’s Office
Lieutenant Rob Sandbloom has over twenty-five years of law enforcement experience. He began his career in law enforcement with the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office in 1989 as an Explorer. After graduating high school and earning an AA degree in Administration of Justice at Shasta College, he joined the United States Marine Corp. He was honorably discharged from the service after working in the infantry, military police, and parachute rigger units.
Rob attended the Santa Rosa POST Academy and after graduating, went to work for Shasta County as a Reserve Deputy/Extra Help Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office in 1998. He worked in the boating unit, patrol, and the jail. In 1999, Rob was hired as a fulltime deputy sheriff for Shasta County and was assigned to the jail. He worked as a K-9 agitator, classification officer and was a CERT member.
In 2002 Rob was assigned to patrol and worked out of the South County and City of Shasta Lake stations. He was a member of the Search and Rescue Overhead Team, Dive Team, ATMU and was an FTO before being assigned to the Boating Safety Unit in 2009. In 2013 he was assigned to the Major Crimes Unit as a detective and in 2014 he was promoted to Sergeant assigned to South County Patrol. At the End of 2014, he was assigned to Boating Safety Unit and OES.
Rob served as the SAR and Dive team’s Coordinator and was the assistant LEMA Coordinator for 13 counties in Region 3. He managed emergency disasters (fires, floods, droughts, and missing persons) in and out of Shasta County. He taught Inland Boat Operations and Basic Accident Investigation classes for the Division of Boating and Waterways, served as the Education Chair for the California State Sheriff’s Association Boating and Watercraft Safety Committee and as the Northern Director for the California Boating Safety Officers Association.
In 2021, Rob was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to OES and continues to serve as the LEMA Coordinator for Shasta County, manages emergencies, specialty teams and training for the Sheriff’s Office.
Rob and his wife enjoy travelling and watching baseball. They have 3 boys, one at Oregon State, one at Chico State and one at UPrep HS.
Donovan Lacy, Director – Fire Technology & EMS Programs, Fire Chiefs Association of Shasta County
Donavan Lacy currently serves as the Director of the Fire and EMS programs at Shasta College, and is the representative for the Fire Chief’s Association of Shasta County.
Don began his fire service career with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as a Seasonal Firefighter. Soon thereafter he went to work for the City of Redding Fire Department where he spent the next 32 years. Following his career with the Redding Fire Department, Don was asked to assist the Anderson Fire Protection District with training their personnel on aerial ladder truck operations. Following his 5 years with Anderson Fire, Don was asked to fill in as the interim Director of Fire and EMS with Shasta College, and continues to serve now full-time.
Don also serves as the Area 2 Director for the California Training Officer’s Association, covering eight northern counties.
Jay Nickell, Operations Manager, American Medical Response- Pacific Region
Jay Nickell is the current Operations Manager for AMR Shasta. With over two decades of experience in the field, Jay has built a robust career marked by dedication and expertise in emergency response and management. Prior to his current role, he spent 22 years as a Field Supervisor, where he honed his leadership skills and operational knowledge.
Throughout his career, Jay has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), contributing to the training and development of new personnel. His extensive experience includes participation in FEMA Teams and numerous wildland fire assignments.
Jason Swann, EMS Operations Director, Dignity Health
Jason Swann is currently the EMS Operations Director for Dignity Health and has been in the EMS/Fire industry since 1992. Jason was a Regional Director for PHI Air Medical and had responsibilities for California based programs as well as Texas.
He returned to full-time status with Dignity Health in 2014 as the Operations Manager and then promoted to Director as well as Reserve Deputy for Shasta County Sheriff’s Office where he performs duties on Patrol, Boating Safety and the SWAT team.
During off time, Jason enjoys spending time with his family wakeboarding, fly fishing and anything outdoors.
Frank Nigro, Superintendent/President, Shasta College
Dr. Frank Nigro began serving as Superintendent/President of Instruction in July 2024. His work at Shasta College began in 1997, when he was hired as a full-time English instructor. His 15 years as an instructor were characterized by leadership in international education, instructional technology implementation, and participatory governance. Dr. Nigro’s good work led to an Excellent Educator Award in 2006 and a state Hayward Award in 2007.
In 2012, he entered administration, becoming Dean of Shasta College’s division of Science, Language Arts and Mathematics. He then served as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction from 2017 to 2024. In his time as the chief instructional officer, Dr. Nigro pushed to clarify pathways for students and to improve faculty evaluation processes and professional development opportunities.
The youngest of five siblings, Dr. Nigro was the first to complete college and did so with the guidance of faculty mentors and by working dozens of jobs to finance his education. Growing up in Paradise, California, he attended California State University, Chico, where he majored in English and minored in German. He completed his doctorate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. His studies include 2.5 years at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany, and the Freie University of Berlin, Germany. He has also lived for extended periods in Switzerland and Japan.
Despite having called many places home, Dr. Nigro says the North State has always been the home in his heart, and this is his community. He’s proud to work at Shasta College and looks forward to helping every student realize their full potential and to achieve the same kind of educational transformation that he himself experienced. Grandson of immigrants, Dr. Nigro is also married to an immigrant from Japan. He and his wife share a love of distance running and are raising two wonderful boys. He is excited to serve in his new role as President of Shasta College.