City of Porterville

April 2016 Employee of the Month

Mark Graves

Fire Department

 

Mark Graves grew up and went to school in the San Bernardino town of Running Springs where he met his future wife, Michelle.  In 2006, Mark and Michelle moved to Springville, and in 2010 he became a paid-call firefighter with Tulare County.  Mark enjoyed serving the community as a firefighter and began pursuing a career by taking several fire training courses at Porterville College. While at PC, Mark became acquainted with the Porterville Fire Department and quickly became a Reserve Firefighter. In 2012, Mark accepted a full-time position with the department.

From that point forward, Mark has pursued training and education at an unprecedented pace, and has established himself as a positive role model for others to follow. He has completed the EMT Academy, the Wildland Academy, the Firefighter 1 Academy, and both Driver Operator 1A and 1B.  He went on to participate in the department’s recent Engineer promotional process which is considered one of the most challenging tests the department offers. Having just over two years of experience, Mark passed on his first attempt and now serves as an interim Engineer on B-Shift, working from the new Public Safety Facility.   

Not to rest on previous accomplishments, Mark has already begun taking the ten courses required by State Fire Training to be certified as a Fire Officer, and expects to graduate in the next two months. Mark is credited with playing a major role in construction of the department training facility. Using his prior experience in the construction trades, he helped prepare the training tower foundations and lift several 8,000 lb. sections into place more than 30’ above the ground.  He continually demonstrated humility in his skills, saying “I was just doing my job.”  Engineer Graves has a great work ethic, and is ready to tackle any challenge with an enthusiastic attitude. 

Mark and Michelle have three children, Matthew, Megan and Mallory, and in their spare time enjoy camping, 4-wheeling, backpacking, and trips to the coast. 

Join me in congratulating our Employee of the Month, Engineer Mark Graves!