Raffy Bitchakdjian was born in Burbank, CA to immigrant parents from Lebanon and Mexico. He attended Glendale High School, where he was involved with the Associated Student Body and the Glendale Fire Explorers. After graduating from the Verdugo Fire Academy, he began his career with the Pasadena Fire Department and was elected to the Pasadena Fire Fighters Association executive board. He has held the title of Director, 2nd Vice President, Secretary Treasurer, and eventually, President of the Association. He currently serves as Fire Engineer at Station 34. On the day of the Eaton incident, he was assigned to the initial attack of the fire near the Eaton Canyon trail, protecting the structures that were first threatened. With his crew and initial Pasadena fire units, they were able to save homes. As the fire progressed into Altadena, he was reassigned to structure protection both at Alta Loma and then Allen/Altadena Drive. After completing his 96-hour shift, on his day off, he immediately reported to the Pasadena Convention Center, where he passed out gift cards with the California Fire Foundation for those in need.