Support Service Volunteer Coordinators
Michael Cunningham
Volunteer Unit Commander who founded the program on April 22, 1996. Sworn in 1996 and appointed to develop the original program, he served as the Unit Volunteer Commander/Coordinator II by Fire Chief William R. Bamattre in December 1995.
A 20 year American Red Cross Volunteer who commanded Mass Care and Supply operations in Los Angeles, he is also a 25 year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department Volunteer Program. Cunningham is responsible for the Unit's overall operations and develops/expands the volunteers' operations in logistics.
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Gary Mikialian
Mikialian is one of the original 7 volunteers that began the program in April 22, 1996. Sworn in 1996, he is a Volunteer Coordinator responsible for field operations, that includes rehab and hydration in addition to logistics. Mikialian is a 10 year American Red Cross Volunteer who coordinated Mass Care and Supply with Michael Cunningham in Los Angeles.
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Harold Puritz
Puritz is also one of the original 7 volunteers starting the program in April 22, 1996. Sworn in 1996, he serves as Volunteer Coordinator and Chief of Staff, responsible for the administration of the Unit. Puritz is a 10 year American Red Cross Volunteer who coordinated Mass Care and Supply with Michael Cunningham in Los Angeles and Orange County.
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John Salmassy
Salmassy joined the Unit shortly after it went into service and graduated in the first Volunteer class. Sworn in 1997, he serves as a Volunteer Coordinator responsible for Warehouse Operations and Logistics.
Salmassy has 30 years of experience in construction and has been working the last 17 years as a safety manager for a national eletrical contractor. He has his CHST certificaiton and is an OSHA Authorized construction trainer. Salmassy serves as the Units Safety and Training Officer.
