Beginning in 1987, Forest Service Fire Prevention Captain Doug Aversano served as Superintendent of Los Padres National Forest Santa Lucia Crew III. Categorized a Type II Organized Crew, Aversano maintained a high level of professionalism and success with Crew III (now Crew VII) leading by example. Since his career began in 1974, he's worked as a helishot, patrolman and engine captain. Leading Crew VII was his summer vocation, with crew ranks filled by eager college students from nearby Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Supe Aversano aggressively sought initial attack assignments for the crew when they proved ready to meet the challenge. Each year, crewmembers move on to regional hot shot crews; several have become smokejumpers and municipal firefighters. Today Supe Aversano heads the Monterey Hot Shots, based on Ft. Hunter Ligget. The crew is scheduled to attain Type 1 status in 2005.