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Every other month, the NFFF would like to recognize some of the 250+ volunteer advocates we have in the United States as part of our Advocate Spotlight.
This month’s nominee is David Santos, who has served in the fire service for 24 years and is currently a Battalion Chief with the City of Colton Fire Dept. He began his career with Cal Fire in 2001 before joining Colton Fire in 2004, where he has promoted through the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, and now Battalion Chief.
Chief Santos holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from California Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program, Training Program Management, and NFIRS Program Management, and is currently enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer Program as part of the 2025 cohort.
An advocate for leadership and professional development, Chief Santos is a certified DISC Personality and Behavioral Assessment Trainer and a Right Path Leadership Coach. He also serves as a NFFF Regional Advocate Manager, providing education and support to agencies across the region.
Dedicated to health and wellness, he owns and operates a CrossFit gym that trains athletes and first responders, aligning his passion for fitness with firefighter safety and performance. He remains committed to mentoring the next generation, strengthening leadership in the fire service, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, training, and operational effectiveness.
“One of the greatest highlights of my career has been serving as an advocate for the NFFF. Not only have I had the chance to make a small difference when interacting with firefighters across the country, but I’ve also made lifelong friends in the process. Every time I deliver a course for the NFFF, even the smallest head nod reminds me that I’ve made a difference.” – Battalion Chief David Santos
David, thank you for all that you do for the firefighters in your state and throughout the country.