05/29/2026
The Santa Ana College Scholarship Program is honored to share an opportunity to recognize Chief Gary Dominguez on the 5th anniversary of his passing this month.
Suzie Dominguez and the Dominguez Family have established The Chief Gary Dominguez Scholarship, a perpetual award supporting candidates entering the academy. Recognizing the financial demands of the academy, this scholarship will be awarded twice per year and is meant to help offset the cost of enrollment and required equipment.
Chief Gary Dominguez dedicated his career to serving others through the fire service.
Chief Gary Dominguez was known not only for his technical expertise and leadership but also for his unwavering dedication to mentoring and guiding aspiring firefighters. Gary attended Santa Ana College Basic Fire Academy and spent much of his career teaching within the program, ultimately serving as the SAC Fire Academy Commander and the Director of Fire Instruction at Santa Ana College. He was a mentor to countless young fire recruits, encouraging and shaping them into exceptional firefighters.
Chief Dominguez began his own journey into the fire service in 1981 as a Firefighter for the Fullerton Fire Department. He became a licensed Paramedic and was promoted to the ranks of Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and retired in 2010 as the Division Chief of Operations. He then went on to serve as the Fire Chief for the La Habra Heights Fire Department.
To commemorate the 5th anniversary of Chief Gary’s passing on May 5th and honor the lasting legacy he has left on the Orange County fire service community, Suzie Dominguez and the Dominguez Family welcome and deeply appreciate any support to expand this scholarship’s impact. They also encourage you to contribute, if you are able, and to share this opportunity with your networks.
Continue Chief Gary Dominguez’s Legacy & support a SAC Fire Academy recruit’s future today.
Thank you ♥️
