Chief & Staff Biographies
Nigel Miller - Fire Chief
Fire Chief Nigel Miller began his career in the fire service in 2005 as a Volunteer Firefighter with Branciforte Fire District. He was later hired by Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District in 2008 as a Firefighter Paramedic, and then promoted to Captain. When Aptos/La Selva and Central FPD consolidated into Central Fire District, he continued to serve as a Captain until his promotion to Probationary Battalion Chief in May of 2022. He was promoted to Division Chief of Operations in November 2023, later transitioning to Division Chief of Administration, with oversight over Community Risk Reduction, Human Resources and Finance divisions. He began his new role as Fire Chief in December of 2025.
BC Miller has an Associate Degree in Fire Technology from Allan Hancock College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from UC San Diego, and is a Certified Fire Officer.
Scott Vahradian - EMS Chief EMSIA
EMS Chief Scott Vahradian has worked in the EMS field since 1986, and as worked wtih EMSIA for 14 years. Through the EMSIA, he works with multiple fire agencies (including Central Fire District). His oversight includes the EMSIA’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Quality Assurance and Training Programs for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and paramedic personnel; EMSIA’s Continuous Quality Improvement Program; continuing education development and training for EMT and paramedic personnel; and monitoring and evaluating field activities of EMT and paramedic personnel.
EMS Chief Vahradian has a BA degree from UCSC, teaching credentials from San Jose State University, and is licensed as both a Paramedic and Physicians Assistant. He also currently works as a Physicians Assistant with Stanford Medical.
Patrick Winters - Division Chief (Logistics)
Division Chief Patrick Winters joined the Central Fire District (as part of Central Fire Protection District) in 1999. Since then, he has filled the position of Reserve Firefighter, Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, and Battalion Chief, and most recently serving as the Division Chief overseeing Logistics for the District. He has been an active member of Central Fire’s Surf Rescue Team and the Santa Cruz County Hazardous Materials Team. His educational background includes an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, California State certified Fire Officer and Chief Officer. Patrick Winters has been a resident of Santa Cruz County his entire life and is proud to serve the community he grew up in and has raised his family.
Ryan Peters - Division Chief (Administration)
Division Chief Ryan Peters began his career with the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District in October of 2000. During his time at Aptos/La Selva FPD, he served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, then Captain, and was promoted to Battalion Chief shortly before the final consolidation of Aptos/La Selva and Central FPD's. He has been an active leader in community relations, helping to organize County Fire & EMS personnel for a number of charity programs, and has been a liaison to the public for various current events. He coordinated EMS services with the District, and served as the Training Division Battalion Chief, before his promotion to Division Chief in 2025.
Ernst Bauen - Division Chief (Operations)
Division Chief Ernst Bauen began with Central Fire Protection District as a Paid Call Firefighter in December of 2003, became a full time Firefighter/Paramedic in 2006, then Fire Captain in 2016. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in December of 2023. In 2025, he was promoted to Division Chief, assigned to Operations. He has an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Cabrillo College, and has been a vital part of the Aquatic Rescue Response Team.
Derek Staley - Battalion Chief A Shift
Battalion Chief Derek Staley began his career with Central FPD as a Paid Call Firefighter. In 1998 he became a full time Firefighter Paramedic, then Captain in 2008. He formerly served as a Training Captain for Central Fire District, before his promotion to Battalion Chief in 2023. Battalion Chief Staley has an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Cabrillo College.
Jacek Kokot - Battalion Chief B Shift
Battalion Chief Jacek Kokot started his career with Central FPD as a Paid Call Firefighter in 1999, and became a full time Firefighter in September of 2000. The following year he transitioned to Firefighter/Paramedic. He was a Truck Operator fore many years, and in 2012, when he was promoted to Captain, he was the Paid Call Firefighter Program Manager. He was active in many District and County-wide trainings, as well as fire investigations. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in August of 2025, assigned to B-Shift. Battalion Chief Kokot has an Associates Degree in Fire Service Management.
Brandon Houston - Battalion Chief C-Shift
Battalion Chief Brandon Houston began his fire service career in 2001 as a Paid Call Firefighter with Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District. He later worked as a seasonal firefighter with CAL FIRE and has been a paramedic for over 17 years. He was subsequently hired by Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District, where he served prior to its consolidation into the Central Fire District. He was promoted in 2025.
Chief Houston has held a variety of operational and leadership roles, including Training Captain, where he oversaw firefighter training and ran a regional fire academy serving multiple agencies throughout the county.
He is actively involved in incident command and regional coordination, serving as a member of the South Bay Type 3 Incident Management Team and as a committee member in the formation of the Central Coast Type 3 Incident Management Team. His work focuses on incident command, risk management, leadership and interagency interoperability.
Chief Houston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Santa Cruz and a Master of Science degree with distinction in Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University.
Nancy Dannhauser - Finance Director
Nancy Dannhauser has been with the Central Fire District since June 2015 (originally as part of Central Fire Protection District). Prior to joining the District she worked in the private sector where she held various roles as Senior Finance Analyst, Portfolio Manager and Finance Manager. As a finance professional with 10+ years of experience in financial planning, analysis, budgeting and reporting, she possesses a Masters in Finance as well as a Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She currently oversees the District’s Finance Division which is responsible for general accounting services, budget development, annual audit and financial planning. She is also responsible for the District’s Computer Network Administration, involving system upgrades, enhancements and implementation of new technology. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO). She also currently serves as a budget reviewer for the GFOA budget awards program.
Gena Finch - Human Resources Director
Joining the District in December 2015 (then as part of Central Fire Protection District), Gena came to us from the County of Santa Cruz where she specialized in Workers Compensation and payroll for over 18 years. She oversees the Human Resources division which is responsible for the recruitment and hiring of new staff, payroll, employee benefits and risk management. In addition, Gena handles all Public Records Act requests, and Board agendas. She is a member of the California Public Employers Labor Relations Association (CALPELRA), the Public Agency Risk Management Association (PARMA), and is an International Public Management Association for Human Resources Senior Certified Professional.