Captain Brent Fitzgerald Burton was born and raised in the Crenshaw/Leimert Park district of Los Angeles California. Shortly after graduating from Los Angeles High School, he became a member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department at the age of 19.  He became a certified Paramedic at the age of 21 and he was promoted to the rank of Captain at the age of 28, making him the youngest company officer in the Department at that time.  After serving a little over 37 years with the Fire Department, he retired to start a new chapter as a Career Technical Education Instructor at Dorsey High School in the Fire and EMS Magnet program.  

He is the founder and current director of the Junior Firefighter Youth Foundation, a non-profit community-based organization that serves elementary and high school students interested in learning more about public service careers and opportunities.  He chairs the Mentoring Committee of the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles.  He is a founding member, past President and serves as the current Historian of the African American Firefighter Museum in Los Angeles.  Burton is the co-chair of the historical committee of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters.  He is a former board member and past President of the Stentorians of Los Angeles County, an advocacy focused organization that addresses the diversity, equity and inclusion challenges that face the fire service.  In addition to these endeavors, Captain Burton serves as the President and Chair of the Board for the Los Angeles CARES Mentoring Movement, the local affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement.

Captain Burton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership,  a management credential from the center for non-profit management in Los Angeles.  He is a Board member and instructor at the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute on the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans, La. And he is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity inc., serving as a Board member for the CLT (CA) Alumni Chapter in southern Riverside County.   

He is the father of three adult children, whom are all engaged in public service in the city of Los Angeles and he resides with his wife Toya Mack-Burton in southern California.  More information about Captain Burton can be found at www.CaptainBurton.com.  

• Dr. Camellia Okpodu Recognition 

Wildfire Science: Understanding the Flames

This panel will explore the scientific aspects of wildfires, including their causes, behavior, and the role of climate change in increasing their frequency and intensity.

"Impact on Ecosystems: From Forests to Fauna"

This discussion will focus on the ecological consequences of wildfires, examining how they affect biodiversity, forest health, and wildlife habitats.

"Human Health and Communities: Facing the Fire"

This panel will address the social and health impacts of wildfires on communities, including air quality issues, displacement, and strategies for building resilience and preparedness.

• 2:30 - 2:50 pm -Update on Research 

• Camellia Okpodu