Captain Fred McDowell of the Costa Mesa Fire Department celebrates their100 years “Birthday Party”. This event is FREE. There will be light refreshments served.
CMFD 100 Year Anniversary Party
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sun, Aug 31, 2025
Norma Hertzog Community Center
CMHS 100 Year “Birthday Party” RSVP Link
About our speaker, Costa Mesa Fire Captain Fred McDowell –
Fred McDowell is originally from Santa Ana, CA. He began playing the trumpet at age seven and participated in band and orchestra throughout his education. Fred attended Cal State Fullerton, graduating in 1993 with a double major in Music Education and Trumpet Performance.
Fred worked as a free-lance musician at Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and toured the country with the Americus Brass Band, which portrayed the 4th Georgia band during the ACW. In 1993, Fred was inspired by a visit to the local fire station to change careers and become a firefighter. He attended Santa Ana College Fire Academy, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Public Fire Service.
In 1995, Fred joined the Costa Mesa Fire Dept. Honor guard as a volunteer bugler before being hired as a firefighter in 1998. Fred promoted to Engineer in 2002 and Captain in 2015. He has received the Fire Department Manager of the Year, the City Manager’s Leadership Award and the Ironman Mike Kreza Leadership awards. He continues to serve as the honor guard bugler and is celebrating his 30th year as a member of that organization.
Fred and his wife Nikki have been married 31 years. They have two adult children, both graduates of Vanguard University. Fred’s interests include living history, WW2 Jeeps, music and travel. He and his wife plan to reside in Gettysburg, PA after his retirement.
