Carrol Paul Thomas Jr. embarked on his firefighting journey with the Merced County Fire Department and began working for CAL FIRE in 1988. He retired as an Engineer after three decades of dedicated service. In 1991, Paul earned the title of “Merced County Firefighter of the Year”, which was a testament to his exceptional dedication and service to the department and his community. Immersed in a genuine passion for motorcycles, travel, and the natural world, Paul’s spirit thrived in the exhilarating embrace of open roads, diverse landscapes, and the untamed beauty of nature.