The city of Santa Barbara Fire Department has promoted several of its members to new ranks within the department.

Individual head shots of firefighters who were promoted. They are Mike Billgren, Richard Ames, Ashlan Alldredge, Justin Kiel, Brandon Paige, Paul Spinale and Michael Welker. (Courtesy photo)
Recently promoted Fire Department personnel are Mike Billgren, Richard Ames, Ashlan Alldredge, Justin Kiel, Brandon Paige, Paul Spinale and Michael Welker. (Courtesy photo)

“I am extremely proud of all the members who were recently promoted. Their advancement comes after months of hard work and dedication to studying and preparing,” said Fire Chief Chris Mailes.

“All these individuals demonstrate the pride and dedication that is so important to the Fire Department and community,” he said.

The following members have been promoted:

• Richard Ames: from captain to battalion chief. Assigned to B shift. Ames was hired in 2001, promoted to engineer in 2005 and captain in 2020.
• Brandon Paige: from training captain to training battalion chief.
Paige was hired in 2005, promoted to engineer in 2011 and to captain in 2017.
• Ashlan Alldredge: promoted from engineer to captain. Assigned to E71C crew.
Alldredge was hired in 2015 and promoted to engineer in 2021.
• Paul Spinale: Promoted from engineer to captain. Assigned to E71C crew.
Spinale was hired in 2008 and promoted to engineer in 2021.
• Mike Billgren: from engineer to captain. Assigned to E71B crew.
Billgren was hired in 2013 and promoted to engineer in 2020.
• Justin Kiel: from firefighter to engineer. Assigned to E75B crew.
Kiel was hired in 2018.
• Michael Welker: from firefighter to engineer. Assigned to E72A crew.
Welker was hired in 2018.

“These promotions are part of the Santa Barbara Fire Department’s ongoing efforts to recognize talent and ensure effective leadership within the department,” the city said.

The newly promoted personnel will be officially sworn in at a ceremony in the fall.