Our People

Andrew Howell is a Firefighter with the Orange County Fire Authority. Born in Newport Beach and raised in Tehachapi with five siblings, Andrew excelled as a high school athlete and played college football at the University of Oregon, earning recognition as a 2nd team All-American.

Before joining OCFA, Andrew worked as a substitute teacher and at Campbell Soup Company. He values the teamwork and camaraderie of the fire service, saying, “Helping people in our community with people you are closest to is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.” He and his partner earned the OCFA Medal of Courage for their disciplined response in rescuing a victim from a commercial structure fire under zero-visibility conditions.

Andrew and his wife, Erika, live in Temecula with their three children. They enjoy family activities like petting neighborhood horses, working out together, visiting a local dairy, and snuggling on the couch for Disney movies. Andrew and Erika also volunteer at their church, using American Sign Language to support participants at an annual prom.

Andrew emphasizes the importance of daily habits and character, noting, “Doing the little things each day leads to big wins—making your bed, respecting others, smiling, taking care of your body, treating others kindly, and enjoying the process.” His dedication to family, community, and service exemplifies the OCFA’s mission of being “In Service of Others.”