Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners

MAMMOTH LAKES FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Board of Commissioners is comprised of five elected officials who guide the District using sound leadership principles, fiscally responsible policies, and a compassionate sensibility to the needs of the community. The Board holds its regular meetings at 12:00PM on the third Tuesday of every month at Station 1. Meetings are public and community members are welcome to attend.

View Past Meeting Meeting Minutes

DUTY. HONOR. COMMITMENT.

MEET THE COMMISSIONERS

John Mendel

Chair
j.mendel@mlfd.ca.gov

John Mendel spent 43 years in the private sector in various senior leadership roles at Ford, Mazda and most recently, American Honda. Commissioner Mendel and his wife Luan have been long-time homeowners in Mammoth, and moved to town permanently in 2014. In 2017 the Mendel family founded Devils Creek Distillery, an extremely successful business located in the Mammoth Lakes Industrial Park. Commissioner Mendel has served on MLFD's Board since 2017 and is currently the Board Chair.

Bret Bihler

Vice Chair
b.bihler@mlfd.ca.gov

Bret Bihler moved to Mammoth in 1982, joined MLFD as a firefighter in 1983, and retired as a Captain in 2015. Since late 2015 he has been serving on the Boad as a Commissioner. From 1983 to 2018 Commissioner Bihler worked at Coldwell Banker as a full-time realtor. From 1992 to 1994 he also served on the Mono County Grand Jury. Commissioner Bihler was an active marathon runner for over 20 years. In addition to running, he also enjoys photography, snowboarding, road biking and mountain biking.

Buck Wahl

Secretary
b.wahl@mlfd.ca.gov

Buck Wahl has been a Mammoth resident since 1972 and has served on the Board since 2016. He was a General Contractor from 1978 to 2018, was President of the Mammoth Contractors Association, and served as a member of the group's Board of Appeals. Commissioner Wahl is also a long-standing member of the Lions Club, and has worked as a professional Ski Patroller for Mammoth Mountain and a Guide for Mammoth Heli Ski. He enjoys skiing, surfing, photography and tennis, and is an instrument rated private pilot.

Roger Curry

Commissioner r.curry@mlfd.ca.gov

Roger Curry and his wife Karen built their home in Mammoth Lakes in 2003 and have been full-time residents of the community ever since. Commissioner Curry is a retired Firefighter for Los Angeles City Fire Department, was a Director of UFLAC, Local 112 (LAFD's labor union) and served on UFLAC's Negotiating Team. Commissioner Curry has also been a member of the Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary for 10 years, volunteers at the Cast Off, and has worked for 17 years as a Host for Mammoth Mountain. He and his wife are both avid skiers.

Carole A. Schilz

Commissioner c.schilz@mlfd.ca.gov

Carole Schilz has been a full-time resident and homeowner in Mammoth Lakes since 1997. She is a retired electrical contractor and business owner, and was also a member of Mono County Search and Rescue for 10 years. Commissioner Schilz spends her free time hiking and cross country skiing on the many trails in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. She has served on the Board as a Commissioner since 2016.