Prevention

Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention, Joe Bongiorno

Joe began his career with the Meridian Fire Department in 1999 as a volunteer. He earned his EMT Basic and Firefighter I certification within the first year and was hired full-time as a firefighter in 2003. He rose to the rank of Captain and in 2014 became a Captain of Fire Inspection. In 2017, he accepted the position of Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention. Joe has his Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, holds certifications as a Certified Fire Investigator from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and he is also a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) with the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). He holds an International Code Council Inspector I and Inspector II certification. He is a Certified Fire Marshal (FM) with CPSE credentialing. He has won 2 awards from The Association of Idaho Cities and the Idaho Association of Fire Chiefs for his work in school safety.

Joe is married with two daughters. His oldest daughter is pursuing a medical career in Kirkland, Washington, and his youngest daughter is married and works for the State of Idaho.

Fire Inspector, Kenny Bowers

Kenny Bowers joined the Meridian Fire Department in 1972 as a volunteer firefighter. He worked through the ranks and was appointed to acting Chief in 1984. He served in this capacity part-time until 1992 when he then moved into the position full time. Under Chief Bowers' direction, Meridian Fire built 3 new fire stations and equipped them with the necessary apparatus. He was instrumental in starting the Thermal Imaging Program, the Defibrillator Program and establishing Meridian Fire Department's Fire Safety Center which opened in 2005. In April of 2005, Kenny retired as our Fire Chief and took on the job of Assistant Fire Chief, then in 2006, he moved to the position of Fire Inspector in our Fire Prevention Division. Kenny is passionate about Life Safety in the Meridian Community for all of its citizens. He continues to be the face of the Department and inspects businesses and serves the community as one of our Fire Inspectors today.

Fire Inspector, John Overton

John was born and raised in Meridian. He spent four years in the US Navy on board the USS Augusta SSN 710, a Nuclear powered submarine. He spent another 8 years in the Idaho Air National Guard.  During that time he got hired with the Meridian Fire Department as a volunteer Firefighter in 1994. Chief Bowers hired John as a full time Firefighter in 1998 and he was one of fourteen recruits that went through Nampa Fire’s Academy that year. John rose through the ranks and promoted to Captain in 2007. He was assigned to Station #5 at its opening that same year, and remained there until he moved into the Prevention Bureau in 2017. John holds the position of Fire Inspector/ Fire Investigator and holds an ICC-1 certification and a IAAI-FIT,CVFI certification.
John is the proud father of two kids. His son is a senior at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana and is a stand out wide receiver on the football team. His daughter is a sophomore at NAU in Flagstaff AZ. And is a member to the Army ROTC program down there.

Captain Fire Inspector, Brandon Medica

Brandon Medica began his passion for the fire service in 1994 as a volunteer for Rincon Valley Fire Department just east of Tucson, Arizona. He moved to the Treasure Valley in 1996 and joined the Eagle Fire Department in 1998 then shortly after getting a paid/on call position with Meridian Fire Department in 1999. He was hired full time as a career firefighter with MFD in 2003.
Over the years with MFD he achieved multiple certifications and has served on a variety of committees for the department and Local 4627. In 2020 at the young age of 46 he received his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology. The next year he promoted to Captain of Fire Inspection/Investigation. Brandon currently holds an International Code Council Inspector I and II and his International Association of Arson Investigators FIT certification.
Brandon loves the outdoors and absorbs the Idaho life style by camping, mountain biking, snowboarding, and skiing. One thing Brandon loves more than his career at MFD is his Family. Brandon is fortunate enough to be married to his high school sweetheart Katie of 24yrs (1998). He has two amazing kids that were born here in Boise. Noelle 21 (2000) is currently attending BSU and is planning on going to PA school. Bryce 20 (2002) in currently attending Boise Barber College and plans on pursuing his career as a Barber.

Public Education Division Manager, Pam Orr

Pam began her career in the fire service as a member of the United States Air Force. After serving 20 years in the military and holding many positions from Firefighter to Fire Chief, Pam retired and moved to Boise. In 2005, Pam joined the Meridian Fire Department as a Public Educator. Pam has developed many public education programs for Meridian Fire and is passionate about families and their safety. She absolutely loves teaching children and their families how to be safe. We thank Pam for her service to her country and are proud to have her on our team!

Fire Education Prevention Assistant, Herb Griffin

Herb was born and raised in Southern California. He started his Fire Service career in 1988 and spent 24 years with his hometown, Escondido Fire Department. During his career, he has worked as a Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and as a Division Chief/Fire Marshal. Herb has a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach. After retiring, Herb and his wife, Stacey, relocated to Meridian. They enjoy outdoor activities, as well as attending all types of sports events.

Herb joined Meridian Fire in 2018. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for Fire Safety with the community.