Mark Stubblefield - Engineer

From the backyard of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 33 in South Los Angeles, Engineer Mark Stubblefield could see a thick, black column of smoke in the distance. The rubbish fire call they had just received appeared to be something more significant.

Earlier that morning, he and his crew had reviewed how to operate a wagon battery - a piece of equipment that sits on top of an engine, delivering 500 gallons of water per minute. Hours later, they arrived to find tall stacks of wooden pallets engulfed in flames and knew that having enough water for a consistent attack would be critical.

What began as a routine training discussion immediately turned into an opportunity to put knowledge into action.

Engineer Stubblefield recalled watching everything click - from the young firefighter utilizing the wagon battery he had just trained on that morning, to the seamless arrival of additional support and the quick stabilization of the scene.

“We took our training, executed it, and got the job done,” Engineer Stubblefield reflected.

For him, that incident represented exactly what he loves about the fire service. Nineteen years into a career with the LAFD, and the opportunity to apply countless hours of training when it matters most is still one of his favorite aspects of the job.

But before his dream job, Stubblefield was a teenager, unsure of his future and looking for a career that would give him purpose.

He was raised by a military father and inspired by a grandfather who served in World War II, growing up early with a strong sense of duty and service. He described his upbringing as “hard but fair,” and credited that for the work ethic that now drives him every day.

A high school career assessment suggested that Stubblefield become a park ranger, or a trash truck driver – anything that would keep him outdoors and active. He knew early on that a desk job was not for him and wanted to do something that would keep him engaged.

At 17 years old, a school assignment led Stubblefield to a local Los Angeles County fire station, his first touchpoint with the fire service and introduction to the County’s Explorer program for young firefighter-hopefuls. Nervous and not sure what to expect, Stubblefield was immediately welcomed in by the firefighters.

“They fed me breakfast even though I said I wasn’t hungry,” he remembered with a chuckle. Their kindness and how much they truly loved their jobs stuck with the young teen, and that brief interaction changed the course of his life.

From ages 17 to 22, Stubblefield gave his all to the Explorer Program, even while working in a restaurant and serving on a hand crew with the U.S. Forest Service. His commitment earned him recognition as Volunteer of the Year and reinforced his desire to become a firefighter.

As he neared the end of his time as an Explorer, one department continued to stand out. Stubblefield remembered watching major incidents unfold on the news and always seeing LAFD firefighters responding to significant emergencies.

When the call came from the LAFD at 24 years old, he did not hesitate to accept.

The drill tower challenged Stubblefield both physically and mentally. From setbacks to humbling moments, he learned hard lessons along the way. But each of those experiences strengthened his determination to succeed.

“Don’t let up,” was the advice that carried him through graduation and each of his early assignments during his first year as a firefighter. While every station helped shape him, the station that had the greatest impact on Stubblefield’s career was Fire Station 33, which he promoted to as an engineer.

“The culture was speed and efficiency,” Engineer Stubblefield said of his time at Fire Station 33. Surrounded by experienced firefighters who genuinely cared about the craft, he was challenged daily to improve. The station’s high standards and encouragement to grow shaped the leader that he would eventually become.

That desire to grow is reflected throughout Engineer Stubblefield’s career. From participating in Airborne Task Force operations to learning specialized rescue techniques through Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) assignments, he has consistently sought opportunities to expand his knowledge and challenge himself.

“I’m always a student,” he emphasized.

Alongside the crew at Fire Station 33, Engineer Stubblefield underscored the impact of mentors like Captains Daeho Moon and Damar Macorno, who for him embodied what it meant to truly serve the City of Los Angeles.

At Fire Station 93, where he has spent the last three years, Stubblefield has helped foster a culture that mirrors his most impactful experiences. With support from his crew, he has facilitated station improvements, strengthened training opportunities, and helped create an environment where young firefighters can chart their own path forward.

For him, success is not measured by his own performance, but rather by the success of those around him. “The biggest flex,” he shared, “is when somebody you’ve trained is doing the job just as well as you are.”

As he looks ahead to what’s next, including promoting to captain, he remains focused on the principles that brought him to where he is today – humility, continuous learning, and service to others.

“Your heart’s got to be in it,” Engineer Stubblefield says to those hoping to start their own career in fire. While the job is not always glamorous and not every day involves a fire, he emphasizes that the opportunity to help others and make a difference should never lose its meaning.