The St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department announces it has added to its leadership division with additions of Deputy Chief of Professional Standards Michael Capranica and Emergency Manager Nolan Ristau.
City officials say the veterans filling these two roles will improve incident response and increase resiliency for residents, businesses, and visitors to the City of St. Cloud.
"We are thrilled to welcome both our new Deputy Chief and Emergency Manager. Their combined expertise and leadership will be invaluable in enhancing our department's capabilities and bolstering community safety” said Fire Chief Jason Miller. “With these additions, we are building a stronger, more resilient team, ensuring we are prepared for any challenge and can continue to provide exceptional service to our residents."
Capranica will serve the St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department initially by overseeing professional standards and logistics, which will ensure greater safety and cost efficiency for the department. He began his career in fire service over 30 years ago while he was still in high school, and comes from Osceola County Fire Rescue, where he was a Deputy Fire Chief. During his time there he was a charter member of Osceola County’s special operations team, bringing extrication, vehicle machine rescue, ropes, confined space rescue and other emergency response technical disciplines to that department; that experience proved helpful during the deadly tornado outbreak and wildfires that affected Osceola County in 1998.
Ristau comes to St. Cloud after working as a Mitigation Manager in Pasco County Emergency Management. As SCFD's Emergency Manager, Ristau will ensure city emergency responders carry and maintain certifications and will coordinate with County Emergency Management officials to plan for incidents in order to minimize loss of life and damage to property. The city notes Ristau carries a Master's degree in emergency and disaster management and has experience responding to everything from sinkholes to hurricanes -- Pasco County was one of the Gulf coastal counties affected by winds and storm surge from hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
GET INVOLVED, SERVE ON AN ADVISORY BOARD: The City also noted this week its is accepting applications from residents interested in volunteering fill vacancies and serve on a local advisory board or committee. There are vacancies on these boards:
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Finance Committee
Historic Preservation Board
Planning Commission
Recreation Advisory Committee
Teen Recreation Advisory Committee
Tree Advisory Committee
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Applications are due in one week, by Monday, Jan. 13. To learn more about the boards and to submit an online application, visit https://www.stcloudfl.gov/33/Committees-Boards. For additional information call the City Clerk’s office at 407-957-7388.
