Division Chief Kevin Kamnikar was born in Southern California and moved to Salinas in 1981, where he attended Salinas High School, graduating in 1985.  After Graduating he worked for a company where he later became a managing partner.

In 1992 he was hired as a volunteer with Monterey County Regional Fire District and in 1995 he was hired as a full-time firefighter.  Throughout his career he has advanced through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and in March of 2019 was promoted to Division Chief/Fire Marshal. 

Division Chief Kamnikar holds an A.S. degree in Fire Science from Monterey Peninsula College, a B.S. degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University, and many certifications through the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, including Fire Officer and Chief Officer. 

Division Chief Kamnikar resides in Salinas with his wife Kim and enjoys spending time at the lake and time with his family.