Chuck Tobias:  

Life Following graduation from Hoover, I worked in the construction field. I joined the the Fresno Fire Department in Oct. 1981. I was a firefighter for 3 yrs. then promoted to an engineer (engine driver)and worked in that capacity for 6 yrs. I became a paramedic in 1985 and continued working as a fire/medic for 11 yrs. During that time I reaquainted myself with some of my past school mates in need of my services. I graduated from college in 1986. I married and promoted to Fire Captain in 1990. I worked as a Fire Captain for 12 yrs before promoting to my present position as Fire Battalion Chief. As a Captain, I once again went back to school and became certified as a Hazardous Materials Responder. Who would have thought that those chemistry classes in Hoover would ever be used again. I am presently responsible for all emergency incidents for one half of Fresno. I am also the Response Coordinator of all Hazardous Materials and Terrorist events for this area. I work closely with numerous emergency response agencies. In the past, I would have thought that my dealings with the police department and FBI would have ended up with me behind bars, haha. My family life is wonderful. I have two great children and realized that exchanging partying for parenting was the best decision that I ever made. I spend alot of time traveling with my family and teaching / lecturing for work. If you ever come to Fresno, drop me a line.... I can probably get you or your kids pictures with fire engine or trucks. Well I guess that I need to update the bio, since I originally submitted this years ago (it is 2013). My eldest child turned 20 and she is getting ready to move into her first home. My son is in the eighth grade and lifting weights while competing on the water polo and diving teams. I don't know much about water polo but it looks pretty hard. The diving I do remember and those cold winter afternoons on the boards at Hoover are etched in m mind. I am still with the Fire Department although my duties have significantly increased, I am traveling to Washington D.C. and various other locations, multiple times, annually. I appears that some people think that I know how to improve our nation's preparedness to ...Expand for more