Chief Michael Urquides

Chief Michael Urquides was born and raised in the Salinas Rural Fire District on a small ranch in the Old Stage Road area. His family roots have been traced back eight generations within Monterey County. His passion of being a firefighter was created by taking a firefighter class offered through the Regional Occupation Program (ROP) at Salinas High School his senior year.

After graduation he worked three summers for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as a seasonal firefighter, Chief Urquides entered the Volunteer Ranks of Salinas Rural Fire in 1989. He was promoted to paid firefighter in 1990, and rose through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain and Division Chief. He was promoted to Chief in 2006.

Chief Urquides obtained an Associate in Science degree in Fire Protection Technology from Monterey Peninsula College, a Bachelors degree in Human Relations, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration both from Golden Gate University. He has numerous Fire Service certifications including certified company officer, and chief officer.

Chief Urquides is married and has four children; his hobbies are mountain biking, and Sharks Ice Hockey.

Email:  murquides@salinasruralfire.com

Telephone:  (831) 455-1828