BHFA Board Members
Bruno Palmieri, President
BHFA President Bruno Palmieri cut his teeth with Cathedral City Fire Department. At just 21 years old he started his career, and quickly learned the exhilarating and heart-pounding nature of the job. From being dropped out of helicopters effecting cliffside rescues, to wading through flash flood waters saving stranded victims, to house fires, brush fires, traumatic injuries, and auto extrications; Bruno has done and seen a lot in a short amount of time. Bruno came to call Beverly Hills his home in 2015 and just five years later made the jump to Captain in March of 2020. A hard charger, straight shooter, and department leader, Bruno instills a spirit of inspiration in and amongst the ranks. Bruno resides in the Temecula Valley with his wife and two sons, where they enjoy camping, travel, Jiu Jitsu, and mountain biking.
The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.
Mike “Elephant Man” Stanley, Vice President
West LA courses through this mans blood. A 1985 UCLA grad, Mike “The Man” Stanley was a star in his own right as Captain of the Bruin’s waterpolo team, leading them to 67 straight victories and 3 gold titles. Mike brings his unique experiences to the table from a former career in commercial real estate. He is business minded with an excellent set of people skills. Mike is married with four children, and one grandchild. He resides in Northeast Orange County, where he tends to his garden, enjoys the rich blessings of herpetoculture, and relishes in the bounties of apiculture.
Derek Sandeman, Vice President
As a third generation firefighter, this man is no stranger to danger. His grandfather was the Fire Chief in Long Beach, his father was a Battalion Chief with LA County Fire, and now Derek holds the rank of Captain with the BHFD. Derek brings seven seasons of experience working with Cal Fire, fighting some of the most infamous wild fires up and down the state in the 21st century. Part ‘brush bunny’, part ‘leatherhead’, Derek blends the best of both worlds that he’s lived in over the past twenty years. Derek resides in Santa Rosa Valley with his wife and three children. He is a practitioner of Jiu Jitsu, and loves to fish, hunt, and camp.
Greg Cummings, Treasurer
Cats, coffee, and crafting. These are the three ‘C’s’ that sum up our treasurer, Greg. Hailing from northern San Diego, Greg lives a simple life, drives the most economical car on the planet, and sports a wardrobe exclusively comprised of Target and Costco apparel. Greg is married with two boys. Family outings include trips to the cinemas, Disneyland, and beach days.
Jimmy Weinstein, Secretary
“If it ain’t socks, it’s sports.” Secretary Weinstein has an affinity for the finest in men’s hosiery, sparing no expense when it comes to his stockings. An avid sports fan, Jimmy is known for being the King of Draft picks for his fantasy teams, casting a wide net that covers a myriad of sports. Lots of Fans Duel him with taunts about who’s team is better. You can Bet that you’ll find him at many MGM properties on the Las Vegas strip when he takes his annual family trip to the City of Lights. Die hard Dodger fan, electrified Chargers enthusiast, lifelong Lakers loyalist, it’s action, fraction, reaction when Jimmy’s tuned into a game. Jimmy and his wife dwell in the Santa Clarita Valley with their two boys. All bets are off on Saturdays when Mason and Colton take to the field, giving their best at-bat for their little league teams.