2025 OCFA Mission Viejo Employee of the Year is Max Harter

Fire Apparatus Engineer and Paramedic Max Harter has been named the Orange County Fire Authority's Mission Viejo 2025 Employee of the Year.

"Max embodies the highest standards of public service, professionalism, and leadership within the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)," said Fire Captain Christopher Trokey. "His contributions to emergency response, innovation in public safety, and commitment to the Mission Viejo community make him an exceptional candidate for this distinguished recognition."

As a Fire Apparatus Engineer and Paramedic, Max demonstrates superior technical skill, calm decision-making under pressure, and a strong dedication to training and operational readiness. His deep understanding of fireground operations, apparatus management, and advanced emergency medical care elevates the performance of the crews he works with and directly enhances the quality of service provided to Mission Viejo residents.

Max is widely respected by peers and leadership alike for his reliability, work ethic, and clear commitment to safety.

Along with his frontline duties, Max plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of public safety technology within the OCFA. He currently serves as a lead figure in the development and implementation of the OCFA Drone Program, an initiative that will significantly enhance situational awareness, search and rescue capabilities, and firefighter safety. In 2025, Max flew the drone over a vegetation fire in Trabuco Canyon looking for hotspots and preventing reignition, and when Mission Viejo residents alerted authorities they spotted a mountain lion in the vicinity of OCFA station 31, Max deployed the drone and ended up locating a bobcat, which was mistaken for a mountain lion.

Max is not only a reliable and highly skilled emergency responder but also a positive and supportive presence in the community. His impact extends beyond emergency scenes-Max strengthens the trust and confidence the public has in the City of Mission Viejo's commitment to safety.

The City appreciates his vast efforts and dedication to this community. He will be honored by the City Council at an upcoming meeting.