PAGE 9 | INSIDE SANTA CLARA | SUMMER 2025
Testimonials from the L.A. Fires
to provide mutual aid, limit the spread, and conduct search, rescue and recovery. Working over 24 hour shifts, their efforts speak to the bravery and heroism exemplified by every firefighter across the state. We asked Santa Clara’s heroes to share what they experienced. Here is what they said, in their own words.
In January of 2025, the County of Los Angeles experienced one of the most destructive series of urban wildfires in California history which included the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.
• 37,000+ acres burned • 200,000+ evacuated
• 16,000+ damaged and destroyed structures • $100 billion in property and capital losses At the height of the battle to protect people and property, a team of firefighters from the Santa Clara Fire Department were dispatched
“Initially, we spent almost three days straight just fighting structure fires and preventing house-to-
“It’s always tough to see such complete destruction of a whole city where so many people lost their lives and everything they had. It’s also amazing to see how communities come together to support each other. Sometimes the worst things that happen can bring out the best in people.”
house fire spread. We then put out fires in homes that were already lost, in hopes of preventing the winds from finding additional sparks that
would inevitably cause new fires to start downwind...The last task was washing down fire retardant from homes to welcome
- Eli Mervine | 10 days deployed
the lucky ones back home.”
“Overall, the experience was humbling. As firefighters we go through training or see these events in the media
- Aaron Drumright | 14 days deployed
and may never be part of one in our careers. It really brings you back to having pride in the job, understanding the importance of operational readiness, and having a strong connection with the people in your crew, strike team, and fire service in general.”
“Seeing devastation on that scale is an emotional experience. It reminds you how short life is and how quickly things can change. Don’t take today for granted and be kind.” - Anthony DiBernardo | 12 days deployed
- Jillian deBar | 9 days deployed
“The fire down south is an experience I will never forget. I am extremely thankful to my department for allowing me to be a part of the team that went down. I’m grateful that I was able to help save homes that would have potentially burned down if we weren’t there. This experience is something I will carry on for years to come.”
“One of the hardest things was being away from our families. Even though you are there for a good reason and you are helping so many people, it’s hard not to miss your family. Luckily, my wife and kids have always been so supportive of my career, and they understand, but it does take a toll.” - Anthony Pascoal | 10 days deployed
- Lando Grey | 14 days deployed
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