Deputy Chief John Thomen has over 40 years of Little Lake Fire Department service. John was born in Fort Bragg, CA and raised in Willits, CA. After graduating Willits High School in 1980, he worked with Little Lake Industries for 2 years then had a career change to Davey Tree Service.  In 1983 during his employment with Davey Tree Service, he joined Little Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer. Chief Thomen grew up around the fire service as his Dad was a volunteer before becoming the first paid Fire Chief of Little Lake Fire Department in 1977.  Shortly after Chief Thomen joined the department, his dad was hired as a Fire Chief for the Brooktrails Fire Department. In 1990 the department wanted to add a position for a paid Fire Engineer to maintain fire apparatus and help the current Fire Chief with firefighter training and public education.  Chief Thomen interviewed and was hired for this position in 1990. Chief Thomen had taken State Fire Marshal classes over the years which allowed him to become a Fire Captain and rose through the ranks to his current position as Deputy Chief. Chief Thomen enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters camping and boating. Chief Thomen also competes in B.B.Q competitions as it gives him great pleasure to see people enjoy great food. Chief Thomen is extremely proud of our firefighters and he recognizes they are the backbone to this department.