The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) and the City of Los Angeles Firefighters Association proudly announce Captain II Andrew Ruiz as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year. Captain Ruiz has dedicated 31 years to the fire service, with over 26 of those years serving the citizens of Los Angeles.

Captain Ruiz currently serves as a Unit Commander in the In-Service Training Section and has served as a Drill Master at the LAFD Training Academy. His past assignments have included fire stations in Battalions 1, 5, 11, and 13. Outside of his duties with the LAFD, he is the Lead Master Instructor for the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Fireground Survival (FGS) program and has been teaching internationally since 2009, where he has influenced thousands of firefighters on how to save their own lives.

Captain Ruiz is an instructor at the Rio Hondo Fire Academy, where he has taught various disciplines since 2008, focusing his efforts on training the next generation of firefighters. He is currently collaborating with California State Fire Training (SFT) to revamp the Fireground Survival Program, Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) operations, and firefighter rescue techniques. Captain Ruiz has also served as a panel member for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) focused on Coordinated Fire Attack and Ventilation.

Andrew and his wife of 28 years. Maura, are the proud parents of two daughters. Amanda recently graduated with her Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology and is currently serving Fullerton School District. Alyssa is in her third year of nursing school at Biola University.

Captain Andrew Ruiz’s professionalism and selfless service inspire not only his peers within the LAFD, but also the countless individuals whose lives he has positively impacted. This honor reflects the deep respect and admiration he has earned throughout his career. He exemplifies leadership and humility as a public servant, striving to fulfill our Department’s public safety mission. 

We extend our sincere congratulations to 2024 Firefighter of the Year, Captain II Andrew Ruiz!