The department begins a new chapter following the departure and criminal indictment of its former chief last year
By ROBIN FRANKLIN — campus@theaggie.org
The UC Davis Fire Department has officially sworn in Nathaniel Hartinger, a department mainstay and UC Davis alum, as fire chief. For over 25 years, Hartinger has served the campus, aiding in hazard prevention training and the cultivation of new university programs.
“I’m incredibly proud and honored to be sworn in as the 7th fire chief of the UC Davis Fire Department,” Hartinger said via email. “Looking back to my start as a student firefighter over 25 years ago, I never could have imagined that I would one day be leading the department!”
Hartinger graduated from UC Davis and holds dual degrees in sociology and communication. He began working as a student firefighter as an undergraduate and later worked himself through every rank in the department, including captain, battalion chief and deputy chief. During that time, he was involved in founding the UC Davis Emergency Medical Technician certification program and Health 34, the 24-hour mental health support unit.
As chief, he will be responsible for overseeing these programs, alongside traditional fire services and the department’s almost 60 employees.
Hartinger brings a fresh start for the fire department following the indictment of his immediate predecessor Nathan Trauernicht over allegations of misappropriation of public funds last year. Alongside his former Executive Assistant Meagan McFadden, Trauernicht has since been charged in the case.
The Davis Enterprise has reported, based on search warrant affidavits that The California Aggie has not been able to obtain or verify, that Trauernicht approved fraudulent timesheets over a two-year period that resulted in $42,000 in overtime pay for McFadden.
Hartinger has been serving in the role on an interim basis since Trauernicht left the position last October; his official swearing-in ceremony took place on Aug. 11.
In a press release announcing Hartinger’s promotion, Chancellor Gary May commended his dedication to the university.
“Chief Hartinger’s leadership reflects the best of UC Davis — a commitment to service, a collaborative spirit and a deep love for this community,” May said. “His experience and heart are unmatched, and I’m grateful to have someone of his caliber protecting our campus.”
Hartinger told The Aggie that he is aiming to get the department more involved in the campus community, and he invites students to say hello to him and other members of his team should they see them doing outreach on-campus — including at sporting events or at new student Moove-in.
“I am so thankful to be surrounded by amazing people at UCD Fire,” Hartinger said. “Our student and career employees are what make our department such an exceptional place to work and are what drive our excellence in delivering service to our community. Talented people are the building blocks of any great department.”
Written by: Robin Franklin — campus@theaggie.org
