Mike Quinton

Mike Quinton is a captain at Yocha Dehe Fire Department. Mike has more than 34 years of experience working in the fire service. He was a volunteer firefighter in 1971 with Aptos Fire Department in Santa Cruz County. From 1973-1975, he was a reserve firefighter with Bakersfield City Fire Department. Mike also spent six years with Branciforte Fire District in Santa Cruz County, as a volunteer captain.

During that time, he earned his associate’s degree in fire science and was hired at the UC Santa Cruz Fire Department as an engineer and was promoted to captain. Mike completed his fire officer and chief fire officer certifications, along with many other specialty classes such as airport firefighter, fire investigation and PC832.

Mike has served several years as a primary instructor teaching breathing apparatus, knots and the live fire room at Santa Cruz County Fire Academy.

Mike has been active during his career in all phases of the fire service, including fire suppression, public education and fire prevention.