Richard Thickens has been in the Fire Service since 1976, starting as a firefighter with CDF (now CalFIRE), working as a firefighter and forest technician with the USFS, and then as a firefighter/EMT with the Rock Creek Fire District. He also served as an EMT I&II with Foothill Ambulance. He spent the majority of his career with the Roseville Fire Department as a firefighter, engineer, and captain, also serving as a Fire Investigator and Peace Officer, a Haz Mat Specialist, and finally as a Battalion Chief. After retiring he served as Chief of the Alta Fire Protection District for an additional 6 years. He holds an AS degree in Forest Technology, and a BS from CSUS in Fire Service Management. He taught as an adjunct instructor with Sierra College, and is a CSFM certified Chief Officer. He is currently serving as a Director and the Vice Chair of the Higgins Fire Board.