Two leaders.
One vote for a
stronger district.
Joseph McThorn and Nathan Golden are running for the Truckee Fire Protection District Board of Directors — backed by the union that knows the district best.
JOSEPH'S HEADSHOT
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NATHAN'S HEADSHOT
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Truckee Firefighters L3800 — the union representing the firefighters and paramedics who serve the district — has endorsed Joseph McThorn and Nathan Golden for the Board of Directors.
JOSEPH'S HEADSHOT
Joseph McThorn
37 Years of Frontline Fire & EMS Experience
Joseph McThorn is originally from the Bay Area and moved to Truckee full-time in 2007, where he is raising his family — his son was born locally and now attends Truckee High School. Joseph has served in EMS and fire since he was 18 years old, with 37 years of combined experience: two years as an EMT, 35 years as a paramedic, and 28 years as a firefighter. He leads with experience, by example, and with strong ethical values.
Qualifications
- 37 Years of Frontline Experience. Two years as an EMT, 35 years as a paramedic, and 28 years as a firefighter.
- Extensive Technical Certifications. Hazmat First Responder, Confined Space Rescue, Rescue Systems 1 & 2, Company Officer Certification, Trench Rescue, CPR, ACLS, and PALS Instructor.
- Contract & Policy Leadership. Lead negotiator for labor contracts from 2016–2024; served on the Fire Department Policy Committee and Strategic Plan Committee.
- Community Involvement. DARE program, fire safety public education in schools, and a political action committee.
Why He's Running
- A Lifelong Commitment to Service. Joseph has a passion for the fire service and for the community he is raising his family in.
- Proactive, Not Reactive. He believes in acting before tragedy strikes — it's too late to say "we should have done something sooner" after lives and homes are already lost.
- Ready to Serve in a New Way. After dedicating his adult life to protecting people and property on the front lines, Joseph now has the time to serve this community he cares about in a way he knows well.
Priorities in Office
- Increasing Suppression Staffing. The national standard calls for three firefighters on every engine or truck, and some neighboring agencies that run fewer calls than Truckee are staffed with more personnel. Running with only two firefighters on an engine falls short of safety standards such as "two in, two out," which exists to protect firefighters on scene.
- Sustaining Measure T Funding. Continue Measure T funding, with additional language to increase staffing ahead of its September 2029 end date.
- Real Transparency & Collaboration. Transparency and collaboration shouldn't be just catchwords — there's nothing to hide from line personnel or the public, aside from personnel disciplinary matters. Getting there takes honest, direct conversations and a willingness to set aside ego and pride for true collaboration, since what's given up there comes back as trust and respect.
- Facts Over Rumor on the Placer County Lawsuit. This needs to be addressed with facts, not rumor — understanding what the lawsuit actually says, who it will and won't affect, whether it can be won without impacting other special districts, where the funds would come from, and whether Placer County's claims hold up. If elected, Joseph plans to work with fire management and the Board to get the facts, and share them publicly.
Endorsed By
- Truckee Firefighters
- California Professional Firefighters
- International Association of Fire Fighters
- Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters
- Contra Costa County Firefighters
- Shaffer Sealing
- Gallagher Construction
NATHAN'S HEADSHOT
Nathan Golden
Truckee-Born Community Leader
Serving Those Who Serve Our Community
Nathan Golden was born and raised in Truckee and is proud to be raising his family in the community he loves. He brings extensive experience in leadership, operations, financial analysis, and organizational improvement, with a career focused on making complex organizations safer, more efficient, and more effective. Nathan has led large teams, launched new technology and operating systems, and delivered more than $22 million in identified savings through operational improvement, technology, and strategic execution. He holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Nevada, Reno and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Qualifications
- Proven Leadership. Leader of large teams and complex operations with a focus on safety, accountability, and increasing profitability.
- Financial & Operational Expertise. Delivered more than $22 million in identified savings through process improvement, technology, and strategic execution.
- Education & Expertise. MBA • B.S. Management • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Why He's Running
- Truckee Roots. Born and raised in Truckee, Nathan grew up alongside many of the firefighters who protect our community today. This is personal to him and to the community he is raising his family in.
- A Voice for Those Who Serve. Nathan believes our firefighters deserve a Board that listens, asks tough questions, and provides strong, accountable leadership.
- Serving the Whole Community. He will advocate for the resources our firefighters need while making decisions that put the safety and interests of the entire community first.
Priorities in Office
- Staffing, Training & Equipment. Ensure our firefighters have the staffing, training, equipment, and support necessary to protect our community safely and effectively. A growing community requires a Fire District that continually evaluates whether its resources match today's needs. Retaining experienced firefighters protects institutional knowledge, strengthens response capability, and ensures our community continues to benefit from highly trained professionals.
- Responsible Leadership & Accountability. Bring independent, data-driven oversight to the District. Major decisions should be evaluated based on operational needs, measurable outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and what best serves the community — with taxpayer resources managed with the same discipline expected of any well-run organization.
- Fair & Sustainable Funding. Pursue a fair and sustainable funding structure for the communities Truckee Fire protects, including securing appropriate tax revenue associated with the services provided to the Martis Valley. The District must have the resources necessary to provide the level of protection our region requires.
Endorsed By
- Truckee Firefighters
People standing with Joseph & Nathan
Joseph McThorn —
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Nathan Golden —
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Add your name to the list.
Show the district that firefighters, families, and neighbors stand behind Joseph McThorn and Nathan Golden.