Administration

Fire Chief Jess Cortez

Fire Chief Jess Cortez is responsible for the North County Fire District Fire Prevention Division, which encompasses Pajaro, Las Lomas, Royal Oaks, Moss Landing, Prunedale, and Castroville. Fire Chief Cortez oversees and implements regulatory inspection and planning programs, public education, and special events for the fire district and provides emergency response to major incidents, including large fires, mass-casualty incidents, and Haz-Mat-related incidents.

Fire Chief Cortez joined the North County Fire Department as a reserve paid-call firefighter in 1998 and was hired as a full-time firefighter in 2002. Throughout his career, he has advanced to the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain, and in 2023, he was promoted to Division Chief/Fire Marshal. He served as the district's Weed Abatement Officer from 2020 to 2023. Fire Chief Cortez is a North County Fire Protection District resident with a strong passion for community service.

Division Chief David Batinovich Maintenance & Administration

Division Chief David Batinovich oversees the District’s Administration and Maintenance Divisions. His responsibilities include recruitment and hiring, facilities and apparatus maintenance, communications, cost recovery, information technology, medical clearances, grant management, and return-to-work coordination. He also provides administrative oversight to ensure District operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Division Chief David Batinovich is a lifelong resident of the North County Fire District and has dedicated his career to serving the community where he was raised. Chief Batinovich began his fire service career in 2008 as a Reserve Firefighter with the Seaside Fire Department before joining North County Fire as a Reserve Firefighter in 2010. In 2014, he became a full-time Firefighter with North County Fire and progressed through the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain before being promoted to Division Chief in 2026.

Throughout his career, Chief Batinovich has served in a variety of specialized and leadership roles, including EMS Coordinator, Small Motors Coordinator, SCBA Technician, and member of the Apparatus Specification Committee.

Chief Batinovich earned an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Monterey Peninsula College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Monterey Bay. Following completion of his bachelor’s degree, he obtained his Paramedic license in Santa Cruz.

As a lifelong resident of the District, Chief Batinovich is committed to giving back to the community that shaped him and ensuring the North County Fire District continues to provide professional, responsive, and dependable service to the residents it serves.

Division Chief Carlos Gonzalez Training & Operations

Division Chief Carlos Gonzalez is responsible for the Training and Operations Division of the North County Fire District. Division Chief Gonzalez manages and coordinates department training to meet all local and state mandates for all full-time personnel and Reserve Firefighters. Division Chief Gonzalez serves as the district’s Terrorism Liaison Officer, manages and oversees Safety, Emergency Medical Services, Uniforms, PPE, SCBA, Auto Extrication, Monterey County USAR Team Liaison, and Reserve Firefighter Program Coordinator.

Division Chief Gonzalez grew up and still resides in the North Monterey County area. He attended Hall District Elementary, Pajaro Middle School, Watsonville High, and Hartnell Community College before being employed with Coca-Cola Salinas for nearly two decades.

Division Chief Gonzalez began his fire service career as a Reserve Firefighter at North County Fire District in 2006. He was hired as a full-time firefighter in 2012. Over the years, he was promoted to Lieutenant and Captain before being promoted to Division Chief in 2026.

Growing up in the area he serves has given him a good understanding of the community's emergency service needs and the ongoing challenges of being a small fire district in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. When you see him out and about in the community, do your best to bring a smile to his face; it’ll brighten up his day.

Division Chief Chief /Fire Marshall

Under Construction

Administrative Officer Carolina Bravo-Salas

Carolina Bravo-Salas joined the North County Fire Protection District in April of 2013 and is responsible for the district’s administrative services including finance, payroll, human resources, employee benefits, and serves as the clerk to the board. Carolina holds a B.S. in Business Administration from San Jose State University and a M.S. in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University.