Please welcome our Grand Marshals for 2025
This year, we honor all the Community Responders who helped the victims of the recent Mountain Fire and other disasters in Ventura County. Instead of honoring individuals, we want to recognize whole organizations and nonprofits that are always at the ready at a moment's notice. Many of these volunteers and county employees will be at the STEM Pavilion by the County's new Mobile Outreach Van operated by the County of Ventura Human Services Agency.
Human Services Agency - Mass Care and Shelter Team
As the Disaster Response and Recovery Officer for the County of Ventura Human Services Agency, Daniel Maguire led a four-person mass care and shelter team during the Mountain Fire in Camarillo. His team was responsible for the coordination, activation, and oversight of emergency shelter operations. Under his leadership, the team, working alongside community partners, swiftly established and managed a mass care and sheltering operation at Padre Serra Parish, providing critical shelter and support services to individuals displaced by the wildfire. The team’s efforts ensured a safe, organized, and compassionate response for those impacted by the disaster.
Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency
The Ventura County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit 0959 is a group of dedicated unpaid volunteers sponsored by the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency (VCEMSA). This diverse team includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, non-medical professionals, and retired law enforcement and fire personnel.
The VCEMSA and MRC are integrated into the Ventura County Human Services Agency Mass Care & Shelter Response Team. MRC volunteers provide support in various areas, including logistics, medical shelter staffing, peer support, and assistance from Functional Assessment Service Teams (F.A.S.T.). During the Mountain Fire Incident, the MRC was on site immediately when the shelter opened at Padre Serra Parish and maintained staffing 24/7 for the entire duration of the shelter's operation.
The MRC participates in regular training exercises with multiple agencies, focusing on key areas such as mass care and shelter operations, multi-casualty incidents (MCI), wildfire first aid emergencies, peer support, F.A.S.T. operations, hospital surge support, and VOAD coordination.
For more information about joining this incredible team, please email vcmrc@ventura.org
Ventura County Public Works Agency
During the Mountain Fire, Public Works Agency (PWA) staff worked tirelessly through the night to ensure public safety. PWA is comprised of five departments: Central Services, Engineering Services, Roads & Transportation, Water & Sanitation and Watershed Protection. While all five departments supported residents impacted by the Mountain Fire, two in particular- Water & Sanitation and Roads & Transportation- went above and beyond.
Our dedicated Operations & Maintenance teams played a critical role in protecting the community. Water & Sanitation staff worked through the night to ensure generators remained fueled and operational, allowing water systems to continue functioning. Meanwhile, Roads & Transportation crews worked around the clock to close roads, safely clear downed trees and debris as well as maintaining access for other emergency responders.
Public Works professionals are often the silent heroes- first to arrive and the last to leave. Their dedication and commitment during emergencies like the Mountain Fire exemplify the critical role they play in safeguarding our County. In 2003 then President George W Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5) which formally recognized Public Works professionals as essential First Responders. We couldn’t agree more!
Ventura County Animal Services
Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is a designated disaster response agency that, with vital support from our Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT), provides emergency housing and transport for animals displaced by wildfires and other emergencies. When residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, some have nowhere to go with their animals.
This is where we step in to ensure their pets are safe and cared for. VCAS has responded to every declared emergency in our county since the Wheeler Fire in 1985. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work around the clock to rescue, transport, and care for displaced animals. Their unwavering commitment provides critical support to both animals and their families in times of crisis.
Ventura County Resource Management Agency
In response to the Mountain Fire, all five divisions of the Ventura County Resource Management Agency (RMA) played a key role in debris removal and recovery by attending community town halls, staffing the Local Assistance Center, and hosting Right-of-Entry workshops to guide residents through the debris removal process.
The Building and Safety Division was on the ground early, conducting initial damage assessments to help determine the condition of each property after the fire. As cleanup efforts moved forward, the Environmental Health Division led the County’s Debris Removal Program, safely clearing 133 properties in under three months with support from County contractors and recovery partners Tetra Tech, DRE, and Team Rubicon.
To further support residents, the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) was opened at the Camarillo Airport, and the Operations Division launched a Debris Removal Dashboard on VCRecovers.org to help residents track the progress of debris removal on their own property.
As the focus shifts to rebuilding, the Planning Division launched the Mountain Fire Rebuild Team to provide dedicated guidance to residents, while the Building and Safety Division continues to offer one-on-one support and expedite rebuild permit application submittals.
American Red Cross Pacific Coast Region
The American Red Cross has been serving Ventura County for more than 100 years. Made up of more than 1,000 local dedicated volunteers, the Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. We invite you to become a volunteer, take a lifesaving class, donate blood, or prepare for emergencies big and small. Join us at redcross.org.
The Salvation Army Ventura Corps
The Salvation Army, Ventura, is committed to serving the County of Ventura during the most difficult moments in life. During the Mountain Fire, the Emergency Disaster Services teams from the Ventura Corps mobilized quickly, serving meals, drinks, and snacks at evacuation shelters, gift cards/vouchers to affected households, and emotional and spiritual care (often called ministry of presence) at the shelter at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo.
County of Ventura Human Services Agency – Mobile Outreach Van
The County of Ventura Human Services Agency (HSA) is proud to introduce our new Mobile Outreach Van! The van allows HSA staff to meet community members where they are. It helps expand residents’ access to programs and services that offer support, hope, and opportunity for improved well-being, such as food and healthcare programs, and employment and housing services.
Our Mobile Outreach Van can also be deployed countywide to provide resources and support to community members during a natural disaster or other emergency. During this year’s Air Show, HSA’s Mobile Outreach Van will be located near the STEM Pavilion. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
City of Camarillo
Mayor Kevin Kildee
Serving the City of Camarillo with distinction since 1996, Mayor Kevin Kildee is currently in his fifth term as Mayor (2024–2028). A lifelong Camarillo resident and partner at the family-owned Bob Kildee Clothing, he brings deep community roots and a strong commitment to public service. Mayor Kildee is known for his collaborative leadership and dedication to building a vibrant, forward-looking city. He proudly represents Camarillo on numerous regional boards and committees, and continues to champion local businesses, family values, and civic engagement.
