Maurice “Mo” Johnson was raised by a single mom. In 1988, after his mom encouraged him to enlist in a career mentorship program, he found himself on a ride-along with the Citrus Heights Fire Department. Johnson was instantly hooked. As a fire service volunteer, he learned the importance of working hard, keeping his grades up, and staying on the straight and narrow. 

That same fire department hired him in 1989, and over the next 29 years, he worked his way up through the ranks, eventually accepting the position of El Dorado Hills Fire Chief on January 1, 2019.

Please tell us about a typical day.  

I usually start my day at 5:30 a.m. by spending some quality time with my dog, Tiller, then quickly check my calendar and handle any urgent emails. A must-have cup of coffee sets me up before I leave, typically getting to work between 7-7:30 a.m., or even earlier if the day's schedule demands it. Upon arrival at the office, my first order of business is to greet my team and conduct morning briefings to discuss ongoing issues, upcoming events, training schedules, and administrative matters. Strong teamwork means we’re prepared to handle any challenges that come our way. On a whole, however, my days are filled with many different duties, from managing the department to getting involved in community relations. 

The new El Dorado Hills Fire Training Center takes up a lot of time, too, as training future firefighters effectively is a top priority. 

What are the biggest challenges of your role?

Being the fire chief is more than just a job and is often filled with challenges. From handling emergencies to meeting community expectations, each day presents new and, sometimes, daunting tasks. What drives me forward, however, is the chance to continually learn and evolve, not only for my own growth but also for the safety of those we serve. It's about standing by our community in times of crisis, fostering trust through positive interactions, and ensuring our firefighters are prepared for any situation.

 Despite the hardships, knowing that we're truly impacting lives fuels my commitment to give my best effort every single day.

What are the biggest highlights?

The new El Dorado Hills Fire Training Center, which benefits our firefighters and neighboring departments to enhance their skills, is a real highlight. Witnessing firefighters develop and seeing their professionalism and courage during emergency responses, fills me with pride.

Building relationships with neighboring departments and the camaraderie we have with them is great to be a part of, too, as are the ongoing interactions with the community.

Please tell us more about what you do in the community.

It’s a mix of serious and fun events! On a serious note, I work with the El Dorado Hills Chamber and Rotary to build relationships in the community, as well as community organizations and homeowners’ associations to educate them on fire safety measures. I also serve on several local and state boards within the emergency services sector, each playing a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies aimed at bolstering community safety. These boards focus on enhancing coordination, advocating for resources, and promoting best practices among fire service professionals statewide. 

The fun community events include the Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa Run, and the Snowball Pancake Breakfast! All these events, the fun and the serious, help us to build trust in the community and keep fire safety at the forefront of people’s minds, ensuring they’re more resilient and prepared in the face of crises.

How do you prepare for fire season?

To ensure readiness as our firefighters face intensified challenges, we evaluate, repair, and maintain the necessary equipment to be prepared for wildfire response at a moment's notice. We also participate in a multi-agency wildland preparedness exercise, which involves personnel rotating through various training stations designed to challenge them in fire ground skills, management, and tactical decision-making. This training event is essential for maintaining firefighter preparedness during the hot, dry summer months and throughout our region's traditional fire season. 

FAVORITES

Coffee shop
There are some fantastic independent coffee shops in our area; Double Shot Coffee Bar, Ohana Coffee Co., and World Traveler Coffee Roasters are some of my favorites. 

Restaurant
Sienna, Sushi Kuma, Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and El Dorado Saloon & Grill are the spots I regularly frequent and enjoy. I like the vibe of Sienna, Sushi Kuma has the freshest sushi, and Pete’s and the Saloon are all-American places I appreciate.

Way to relax
Working around my property or in my workshop, tending to household needs while riding my tractor, camping, and enjoying nature. I relish staying up to date with the latest technology and gadgets, integrating them into both my work and personal life.

Best part of the job
Being a fire chief is a multifaceted, rewarding career and provides a sense of pride in serving the community. I enjoy the opportunity to lead and inspire our team while making a tangible difference in protecting lives and property from fire hazards and emergencies. Serving as fire chief is an honor and has been the highlight of my career. I feel truly fortunate to be part of such a cherished community.

by Caroline Kings  
Photos by Jyo Bhamidipati