Allan Hancock College is celebrating the graduation of dozens of students from its public safety programs, including law enforcement, fire and nursing.
Allan Hancock College hosted more than 2,100 local junior high school students at its Santa Maria campus during a recent Career Carnival showcasing the
Donations push community college more than half way toward endowment goal of $10 million
Toasting at the end of Allan Hancock College’s centennial celebration are Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, left, AHC mascot Spike and Superintendent/President Kevin Walthers. (Contributed photo) By Janene Scully, Noozhawk North County Editor | @JaneneScully
May 24, 2021
| 10:18 p.m.
A celebration of Allan Hancock College’s first 100 years culminated with the naming of the centennial class of distinguished alumni, and the revelation that tuition-free fundraising efforts had reached more than halfway toward the goal.
The virtual celebration hosted by Fifth District county Supervisor Steve Lavagnino and Superintendent/President Kevin Walthers, included musical performances, history and more on Saturday.
By Janene Scully, Noozhawk North County Editor | @JaneneScully
May 12, 2021
| 8:13 p.m.
Eighteen years after giving up an engineering career and getting hired as a firefighter, Todd Tuggle has been chosen to lead the Santa Maria Fire Department.
Todd Tuggle
On Wednesday, City Manager Jason Stilwell announced that he had named Tuggle as fire chief, effective last Saturday.
A badge-pinning ceremony is scheduled during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.
It’s a different career than Tuggle had after graduating from Cal Poly in 1996 with an engineering degree, but he hasn’t looked back.
“I’ve never doubted it for a moment,” he said of the switch. “It’s been the most fulfilling, amazing, challenging (job). It’s never been dull from day one.”
Todd Tuggle appointed as fire chief following Champion retirement
Todd Tuggle has been appointed to serve as Santa Maria s interim fire chief, filling the role Leonard Champion will leave upon his retirement Thursday.
City Manager Jason Stilwell made the appointment that will take effect Saturday, according to city spokesman Mark van de Kamp.Â
Joining the Santa Maria Fire Department in February as the city s first deputy fire chief in 10 years, Tuggle previously served 17 years in the Fresno Fire Department, holding the title of battalion chief at the end of his tenure.
The interim chief will oversee the department s 75 personnel and five community fire stations, as well as a sixth station at the Santa Maria Public Airport, van de Kamp said. The department responds to approximately 10,000 calls for service annually.Â