Bob Atlas is a Contra Costa County, CA, Fire Protection District (Con Fire) battalion chief, with responsibility for eight stations and crews. He entered the fire service as a community fire aide for the Milpitas, CA, Fire Department in 1996 followed by an internship with the South Santa Clara County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire in 1997. Atlas was employed as an EMT for American Medical Response before he was hired as a full-time professional firefighter with Con Fire in 1999. He was promoted to fire engineer in 2002, captain in 2005 and shift battalion chief in 2011. He is a California State Fire Marshal-certified chief fire officer and fire instructor and is a former member of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue—California Task Force 4 and of Con Fire’s Technical Rescue Program. Atlas is a Red Carded Line Safety Officer and serves as a Certified Oral Board Rater. He is responsible for Con Fire's Engine Operations committee and CISM/Peer Support program. Atlas holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Massachusetts and an associate degree in fire science from Mission College.