CalFire Lassen Modoc is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua Kern as the Unit Chief for the Lassen-Modoc Unit of CAL FIRE, effective December 15, 2025.
During Chief Kern’s first week he trained and was mentored by Chief Ewing and will assumed full responsibility of the Unit on December 22, 2025.
Chief Kern began his fire service career in 1996 as a Firefighter I in the Lassen-Modoc Unit (LMU), initially assigned to Battalion III at the Bieber Fire Station. Over the next five years, he served as a Firefighter I in various stations throughout the Unit, including Bieber Helitack. In 2001, he promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer, working at both Grasshopper and Susanville Fire Stations. During this period, he also contributed to the Unit Training Bureau and Headquarters Fleet.
In 2007, Chief Kern accepted a Fire Captain B position at Intermountain Camp, supervising Inmate Fire Crews and camp administrative duties. In 2011, Chief Kern transferred back to Battalion III as a Fire Captain A, assigned to Bieber Fire Station working as both an Engine and Helitack Captain. During his tenure as a Helitack Captain, he became a qualified Air Tactical Group Supervisor.
In 2015, Chief Kern promoted to Battalion Chief at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center. In 2019, he transferred back to the Bieber Battalion, overseeing Bieber Helitack, Bieber, and Happy Camp Fire Stations, as well as managing the Unit’s Aviation program. In 2021, Chief Kern promoted to Assistant Chief overseeing Intermountain Conservation Camp and the Unit’s CAPCOM program. He was successful in completing many projects throughout the Unit and forecasting projects for the future.
Over the last 29 years, Chief Kern has been part of several Unit Cadres, including the 8100 Committee, ECC Classifications Committee, Aviation Working Group, Fire Crew Preparedness Exercises, and has served as Northern Region Duty Officer. Chief Kern has also dedicated himself to our Incident Management Teams, having served in the Logistics Section and is currently the Liaison Officer for Incident Management Team 2. Additionally, Chief Kern is actively involved in the community, serving on committees for the California Deer Association and local non-profit organizations.
Chief Kern is supported by his wife of 22 years, Jessica, his oldest daughter Ryleigh, son Logan, and youngest daughter Delaney.
Please join CalFire in congratulating Chief Kern on his new assignment!
