The lessons that Tyler Batson developed at the Palomar College Fire Academy have served him well as he worked his way through the ranks at the Escondido Fire Department to recently be named chief.
Batson, who attended the academy in 2003, said that practicing the skills of teamwork and leadership were just as important as learning about how to fight fires.
On his first day at the academy, he was chosen as academy leader for about 40 recruits. It was a natural choice. While many other recruits were fresh out of high school, Batson had served in the U.S. Navy and had a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.
“It was really rewarding,” Batson said. “When you’re immersed in the military, you kind of assume that everyone knows what it’s like to be part of a team. I got to see the transformation in the younger folks. They could be proud of what they learned in how to be a good teammate and be ready for the next challenge.”
Teamwork has long been an important part of Batson’s life. At Torrey Pines High School, he was a star linebacker recruited by dozens of colleges. Urged by his mother, he chose Stanford.
“She said something along the lines of ‘Don’t be stupid. You have the opportunity to go to Stanford,” Batson laughed.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Stanford, Batson enlisted in the Navy with the goal of becoming a Navy SEAL. He was part of a SEAL team based in Coronado when it wasn’t deployed to hot spots in the Middle East.
After eight years in the Navy, Batson faced a personal challenge. He was going through a divorce and wanted a career where he could be a good parent to his two children while performing meaningful work. Firefighting fit the bill.
“It’s very much a team environment and you provide a service to the community,” Batson said. “It was a leap of faith. I’m so thankful I did. It was the right choice for me and my family.”
Although Batson was certified as a paramedic through the Navy, he needed to attend the firefighting academy to start his new career. The day after he completed the academy, he began working at the Escondido Fire Department.
He started as a firefighter paramedic and served as engineer, captain, battalion chief, deputy fire chief and as interim fire chief for a year before his selection in October.
“Tyler is an exceptional leader who embodies the values of service, integrity, and professionalism that define the Escondido Fire Department,” said Escondido City Manager Sean McGlynn.
