“I’m honored to join the Ventura County Fire Department and look forward to protecting the communities we serve through prevention, education, and collaboration.” She most recently served with the Riverside County Fire Department, where she progressed from Deputy Fire Marshal to Assistant Fire Marshal. Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said Tillema’s background and commitment to public safety make her a strong addition to the department’s leadership team. “Kylie brings outstanding technical expertise, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety,” Gardner said. The Ventura County Fire Department employs nearly 650 personnel and provides fire protection, rescue and emergency medical services throughout most of Ventura County, including the cities of Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Ojai, Santa Paula and Port Hueneme, as well as the county’s unincorporated communities.