40 Under 40: Chris Bridger – Clovis Fire Department
Chris Bridger had wanted to be a firefighter from a young age, and took classes during his senior year at Clovis High School to become a wildland firefighter. The summer following his high school graduation he began work with the U.S. Department of Forestry, and went through courses at the Fresno City College Fire Academy. He also worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection before joining the Clovis Fire Department in November of 2004.
Chris Bridger
The Clovis Fire Department is considered an all-risk agency, handling situations that require medical aid, dealing with vehicle accidents, rescues, residential and commercial fires, and wildland firefighting. The department also does work in the community, participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill the Boot event and helping with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce’s Big Hat Days. It also works with the Pink Heals Tour and Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Central Valley, raising breast cancer awareness.
Bridger is currently the president of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, a multi-state organization that provides services to anyone who has suffered a burn injury. The majority of its services are provided to children, many of whom are from lower income families. The foundation provides aid in the form of food vouchers, fuel cards and hotel stays. It also holds a weeklong summer camp in Wonder Valley for burn survivors ages 5-16 years old known as Champ Camp, where the youth can take part in activities like fishing, archery and swimming.
Bridger himself is often found in the outdoors, sometimes going fly fishing.
Favorite Movie: “A River Runs Through It” and “Open Range”
Favorite Music Artist/Band: George Strait
Last Book Read: “Jim Bridger: Mountain Man” by Stanley Vestal
“40 Under 40″ The Ultimate Networking Event, honoring the Class of 2012, will be held Thursday, March 21 at the Skyroom Lounge in Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown. Tickets to the event go on sale January 17, and will be available for purchase on www.40u40.com.
Each day leading up to the event, a different member of the Class of 2012 will be featured in a story on www.BusinessStreetOnline.com. Be sure to sign up for our daily news alerts by visiting www.BusinessStreetOnline.com.
