Ray Russell

Ray Russell is the President and co-founder of Phenix Technology. His background and accolades are most impressive. Ray entered into the fire service in 1957 as a volunteer firefighter in his community. He then joined the California Division of Forestry in 1959. After serving in the Army from 1960 to 1963 he was discharged and became an Engineer with California Department of Forestry. During his career in CDF he promoted to Captain and worked both structural and wild land assignments. In 1970 he became the training officer for the county of Riverside. In 1972, Ray became the Assistant Chief with the California State Fire Training program and was responsible for 18 southern California counties.

Ray attended UCLA and holds a lifetime California teaching credential. He has been a featured speaker and sought after educator in the fire technology field. Ray not only helped develop the California state structural fire control III course, but is currently assisting with amending and updating the manual. He has implemented several field training elements during his time with the state fire training program. Ray has also earned his credentials as a senior master instructor for the state of California and has taught fire technology classes at several California colleges. Many of you may have attended a class or two of his.

It was during his career in the fire service that Ray co-founded Phenix Technology and developed the most desired fire helmet on the west coast, the Phenix 1500 First Due. He has co-authored two fire related books. In 1987, California Governor George Duekamajian presented Ray Russell with the Medal of Valor for Heroism, the most honorable award in the fire service.

Ray retired from the California Department of Forestry in 1996. His service as a volunteer firefighter is going on 48 years. Recently he was presented with the distinguished “Ira D. “Cal” Calvert” award for his outstanding career as a volunteer firefighter and service in his community. Ray is currently one of two Volunteer Captains in the Riverside County Fire Department. He continues to serve his community in his first-in district and remains the President at Phenix Technology full time.

Ray has been married to his wife Judi for 45 years and has three children. His daughter and youngest son work for the family business and his oldest son is a Sergeant for the Riverside Police Department in California. He has been blessed with five grandchildren. Ray’s dedication to the fire service and his commitment to the daily operation of his company are unparalleled. He plans to continue sharing his knowledge and passion for firefighting until the Good Lord takes him home. Circa 2008