Doug McCullough began his career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter for the Salida Fire Protection District in 1988. He was hired as a full-time Engineer for SFPD in 1994 and was soon promoted to Captain. In 2011, Doug became a Fire Captain for Modesto Fire Department, and he loved every day of his career. Doug established the Salida Fire Explorer Post 904 in 1995, and served as an advisor to many young men and women. He was also part of the Technical Rescue Team for Modesto Fire Department, taught auto extrication and wildland fire in the fire academy for Modesto Junior College, and served as a strike team leader on many wildfires in California. Doug was family-oriented and always volunteered in activities for his son and daughter.