MADERA COUNTY — Mike van Loben Sels, Unit Chief CAL FIRE/Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit, (MMU), has announced the replacement for retired Assistant Chief-Madera Division, Matt Watson.
Justin Macomb Cal Fire
Chief Macomb began his fire service career in 2003 as a Resident Apprentice Firefighter for the Madera County Fire Department. He was hired by CAL FIRE in 2004 as a seasonal Fire Fighter I in the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU). In 2008, he was promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer in the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit, serving on both the Merced County Haz-Mat team and Rescue Team. In 2012, he was promoted to Fire Captain at Mount Bullion Conservation Camp in MMU. In 2015, he transferred to the MMU Rancheria Fire Station.
In 2018, Justin was promoted to Battalion Chief in MMU Ahwahnee Battalion. In 2021, Justin transferred to the Madera Valley Battalion. During his time as a Battalion Chief, he managed various programs, including Firefighter1 hiring, unit scheduling, Madera County Fire Departments’ budget, and equipment purchasing.
During his career, Chief Macomb has served as a cadre member for the C-300, C-400, and Incident Management 3. He has an Associate of Science Degree from Fresno City College in Fire Technology. He has been a Member of CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 since 2018, serving as a qualified Type 1 Operations Section Chief, Operations Branch Director, and currently an Incident Commander Trainee for Team 5.
Justin is a proud resident of Madera County, living in Madera Ranchos with his wife, Nichole, and son, Maddox.
Congratulations Justin! Look forward to your continued support of our team at MMU.
Retired Chief Watson says, “Chief Macomb is an excellent selection for my replacement; he has vast experience that will assist him in taking the department to the next level. Chief Macomb underwent an extensive selection process, including interviews with Madera City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez, Madera County CAO Jay Varney, and several Chief Officers from CAL FIRE.”
CAL FIRE Madera Division Chief Matt Watson to Retire
