Bill Peterson

Bill Peterson is a Yocha Dehe Fire Department battalion chief. Bill was born in San Rafael, Calif. and graduated from Oroville High School. He attended UC Davis, where one of his football teammates mentioned the resident firefighter program at the UC Davis Fire Department and Bill was inspired to apply. Following acceptance into the program, Bill became the operator of the 1967 Seagrave 100’ aerial ladder truck after his first year.

At the UC Davis Fire Department, Bill became a career firefighter and also helped establish the Yolo County Hazardous Materials Response Team. He also spent some time with Diamond International Corporation, Oroville Ambulance Service and the Dixon Fire Department.

On two occasions he was honored as American Legion/UC Davis Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. 

Bill retired from the University in 2004, following his selection as a battalion chief with the YDFD in March of that year. He is constantly amazed at the progress, changes and growth he has seen at the department.