Richard Halstead began his fire career with the City of Dinuba before advancing in his profession to CAL FIRE for the next 34 years. Richard was the lead teacher developing the first Valley ROP Wildland Fire Science Program at Reedley College. His love for teaching fire science was a lifelong passion. Captain Halstead was an outstanding fireman, serving with honor and distinction. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. After a courageous three-year battle, Richard succumbed to job-related cancer in 2012 at the age of 61.