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Mountain View News Saturday, August 10, 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY IN SIERRA MADRE NEWS

For the next several months Sierra Madre’s Police and Fire Departments will be running a weekly 
segment titled, “Get to Know Your Public Safety Officer” here in the Mountain View News. The purpose 
of this special segment will focus on our police and fire department employees and all of us to learn a 
little bit more about the men and women who serve our community

CAPTAIN DAVID GACAD, a 
respected figure in the fire service, 
has been serving since 2010 and 
has been a proud member of the 
Sierra Madre Fire Department for 
the past four years. 

His current role as Department 
Training Officer is not just about 
providing leadership, direction, 
and fire suppression training, but 
also about mentoring his crew. 

He is dedicated to providing 
consistent and up-to-date 
training using the best practices 
in the fire service community. 

His career includes roles such 
as Fire Captain at La Habra 
Heights Fire Department, 
Engineer/Acting Fire Captain at 
Chevron Fire Department, and 
Firefighter/Paramedic at multiple 
departments. 

He has been an adjunct faculty 
member at Rio Hondo College for 
the past ten years, guiding and 
shaping the next generation of fire service professionals. Captain Gacad is currently pursuing 
a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Administration at Idaho State University and holds 
various certifications through California State Fire Training. He is also a state-registered 
instructor in multiple disciplines, further showcasing his knowledge and skills.

Why did you choose to work for the Sierra Madre Fire Department? 

I was drawn to the Sierra Madre Fire Department by its rich history and current establishment. 
With 15 years of experience in the fire service, I am excited by the unique opportunity to 
contribute to an organization still in its development stages, a rare occurrence in a field that 
has remained largely unchanged for the past 150 years. Furthermore, I continue to work 
for the department because of the passionate individuals I work with daily, especially the 
firefighters who embody excellence.

What do you like best about your job? 

What I like most about the job is that every day is unique and presents its challenges. We 
arrive at work with a sense of excitement and anxiety, never knowing what the day has in store 
in terms of calls for service. Additionally, the community's support of its First Responders is 
equally essential. There's a saying that a fire department cannot thrive without a community 
to serve and the camaraderie of the firefighters serving that community.

What's the biggest challenge of being a firefighter? 

One significant challenge for firefighters is finding the right work-life balance. As public 
servants, we often feel like we are always on duty. Even when off duty, we remain highly alert 
and focused on our surroundings. This makes it difficult for us to fully focus on our personal 
lives and the people in them. That is why it is important that I understand and support my 
crew and my family every day.

What got you interested in joining the Fire Department? 

During high school, I was a JROTC cadet learning about positive traits and morals that one 
should have to move into adulthood. A strong sense of service was instilled in me during 
those early years and never diminished. I knew I was destined for a career in service. In the 
middle of my high school education, the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 
11th, 2001, occurred. Witnessing the heroic firefighters on television moving toward danger 
inspired me to pursue a career in fire fighting.

What is your favorite recreational activity? 

When I'm not working or teaching at the fire academy, I enjoy stand-up paddle boarding. I 
love the feeling of gliding across smooth, calm, glassy water. Even more, I would love to get 
back into Outrigger Canoe racing, in which I was quite competitive about 10 years ago.

Do you own any pets? If so, what are their names? 

Unfortunately, I don't have any pets. Being unable to be home routinely makes it difficult. But 
one day, I would love to rescue a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Favorite place you frequent in Sierra Madre: 

While on duty, I enjoy having lunch at Poppy Cakes. The staff there is incredibly friendly, and 
they really know how to make excellent fried chicken.

What would be your favorite song? 

That’s Life- Frank Sinatra 

Name one thing unique about you that few people know about. 

In 2009, I was awarded the United States Army Commander's Award for Public Service, 
which is the third-highest medal a civilian can receive 

What is your motto in life?

“Be curious, less judgemental” -Walt Witman 

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Photos by Dirk Bolle


SIERRA MADRE POLICE BLOTTER

The following represents a summary report of some of 
the major incidents handled by the Sierra Madre Police 
Department during this period. This list is not intended to be 
considered exclusive or all-inclusive.

Tuesday, July 30 Hit & Run Collision

At approximately 3:00 PM, officers responded to the 400 block of Mariposa Avenue to 
meet with a citizen reporting his vehicle being struck by another vehicle. The citizen 
stated the other vehicle had left the scene without exchanging information. The officers 
took a report and determined the other vehicle was in violation of a hit and run. The 
case is still being investigated.

Friday, August 2 Disturbance

At approximately 7:40 AM, officers responded to the Police Station lobby to meet with 
a citizen who wanted to report a hate crime that occurred in July.The reporting party 
provided officers with suspect information. The victim is desirous of prosecution. The 
case was investigated and due to insufficient evidence, the case was closed.

Saturday, August 3 Petty Theft

At approximately 10:45 AM, officers responded to the 300 block of North Lima Street 
to meet with a citizen reporting a theft. Vctim stated unknown suspects took property 
from the front of his house and fled in an unknown direction. The victim is desirous of 
prosecution. The victim did not have any cameras that could have captured the crime. 
Due to the lack of suspect information or cameras in the area, the case was closed.