The Lathrop-Manteca Fire District has appointed a new Assistant Fire Chief and filled its vacant Deputy Fire Marshal position.

Assistant Fire Chief Derrick Thomas and Deputy Fire Marshal Jesse Jimenez joined the District’s ranks in early May 2026.

Assistant Chief Thomas began his fire service career in 1998, most recently serving with the Alameda County Fire Department (ALCO).

He worked through the ranks while serving with ALCO, completing his tenure as the Deputy Chief of the Fire & Life Safety Division, which included Training, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Code Administration.

He has led many fire service programs such as Hazardous Materials Teams, Emergency Management, and Wildland programs. Assistant Chief Thomas holds multiple degrees from Columbia Southern University, including a master’s degree in Fire Executive Leadership, a second master’s degree in emergency service management and a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration.

He is assigned to provide operational support and direct supervision of the District's Battalion Chiefs. Additionally, he is assigned to various administrative responsibilities that further enhance the District's service delivery to the community.

“Chief Thomas’s experience, integrity, and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team,” said Fire Chief David Bramell. “We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber joining the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue advancing our mission of providing exceptional service to our community.”

Deputy Fire Marshal Jimenez brings a well-developed and diverse skill set to the fire district. He has an extensive knowledge of fire codes, regulations, and emergency response procedures. Jimenez began his fire service career with Cal Fire in 2003. He has served as a Fire Inspector II with the City of Manteca Fire Department since 2018.

Jimenez is a certified Firefighter I and II, Emergency Medical Technician and completed numerous courses through the California State Fire Marshal's Office.

He is a graduate of East Union High School and holds an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Modesto Junior College. “

“We are pleased to welcome Jesse Jimenez to the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District as our new Deputy Fire Marshal,” Chief Bramell noted. “Jesse brings valuable fire prevention experience, strong technical knowledge, and a commitment to serving our community. His expertise will play an important role in enhancing the fire and life safety services we provide throughout the District.”

Jimenez will oversee the District's Fire Prevention Division, fire inspectors and Admin Assistant assigned to Fire Prevention.

He will further function as the primary liaison with the City's building department and San Joaquin County's Community Development Department.