CCAA Hometown Heroes is a look at current and former CCAA student-athletes and staff who are now on the front lines in the worldwide fight against COVID-19.  Individuals from CCAA member institutions have answered the call to help battle the pandemic, whether it be in the field of healthcare, as a first responder, through volunteer efforts or a variety of other essential services being performed throughout communities around the state and globe. 

After competing for Cal Poly Pomona for two seasons on the baseball diamond, Broncos alumnus Chris Stratton embarked on a career as a first responder as he works as a paramedic with North County Fire Protection District, serving the cities of Fallbrook, Bonsall, and Rainbow Springs, responding to both medical and fire-related 911 emergencies in order to keep the community safe. 

Stratton came to the Broncos in 2016 after playing two seasons at Palomar College, and finished off his collegiate career with two years at Cal Poly Pomona. He credits his involvement in collegiate athletics in allowing him to handle the stressors of a career on the front lines. 

"My participation in collegiate athletics has helped me learn how to remain calm and continuously work efficiently in high pressure situations," he notes of his time on the diamond that included a NCAA Division II West Region championship in his junior season.

That pressure is ever-present in his field of work, and Stratton's professional driving force to help is to "ensure that I can provide a sense of safety and support for the communities I serve even on their worst day." 

2020 has been full of changes, from the global pandemic to national unrest and resolve around social justice issues, and both have impacted Stratton's personal and professional life.

"With the pandemic and now recent protests becoming a factor, both life inside and outside of work has become unique," he notes. "No one is excluded from these delicate times, but regardless of everything going on, I believe that everyone is doing the best they can in all lines of work to continuously keep everyone positive and moving forward."

The CCAA -- and Cal Poly Pomona -- salutes Chris and his North County colleagues, and all of our CCAA Hometown Heroes!