About | Cedar Valve

Designed by firefighters, for firefighters.

We brought our knowledge as firefighters to our team of engineers who further developed the equipment to ensure it is safe and reliable, while upholding a quality appearance that the fire service is accustomed to.

Our couplings are certified tested to meet NFPA standards.

During the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County, firefighters from throughout the state joined local crews to battle the blaze. Driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, the fire burned over 280,000 acres and killed fifteen people. Over 2,200 homes were destroyed by the firestorm. It was the worst fire in California's recorded history.

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Meet the Team

Eric Topacio

Founder, Inventor, Retired Engineer

For more than 25 years, Eric served his community as a Firefighter and Engineer, dedicating his life to protecting others and improving safety on the front lines. During his time battling countless wildfires — including the devastating 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego — Eric witnessed firsthand the challenges and dangers firefighters face in critical moments.

He saw a need for a safer, faster way to disconnect a charged hose line directly from the engine panel, rather than at the hydrant — a simple change that could make a life-saving difference for his fellow firefighters.

Eric spent years designing, testing, and perfecting a solution. The result is the Cedar Valve — a groundbreaking device that gives firefighters greater control, flexibility, and safety in the most demanding situations.

Named in honor of the fire that inspired its creation, the Cedar Valve represents more than innovation — it’s a symbol of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering drive to make every firefighter’s job safer.

Tim Mickelson

CEO

Tim Mickelson brings over 20 years of experience in both the sports industry and small business. After officially retiring in 2024, he returned in 2025 driven by his belief in Cedar Valve’s potential to transform fire industry standards. His objective: to put this innovative device on every fire engine in the United States and help protect countless firefighters, communities and structures.

Gabe Jasmer

Engineer

Gabe joined the fire service industry in 2014 and has been working as an Engineer since 2018.

While working in North San Diego County, he has witnessed firsthand how quickly fires can get out of hand and knows that every second counts. As an engineer, Gabe knows maintaining water on the hose line is priority one and fires where you're forced to shut down that line due to a lack of water is everyone’s worst nightmare. When introduced to the Cedar Valve, he saw an opportunity to get those precious seconds back and keep the water flowing.

The Fire Service is always looking to evolve; technology that increases the ability to get (and keep) water on the fire should be a priority.

Gabe joined the CV team to help bring a faster, more efficient approach to water acquisition and management to fire departments everywhere.

Jeff Ewert

Retired Captain

Jeff is a second-generation firefighter who proudly served for 27 years before retiring as a captain for the city of Chula Vista in 2021. Having ridden along with his father in the 1980s, Jeff has witnessed firsthand the evolution of fire apparatus and equipment across multiple decades of service. He understands that as fire apparatus continues to evolve, so must the equipment.

Jeff joined Cedar Valve because he believes the technology represents a tremendous advancement in operational versatility, effectiveness, and firefighter safety, helping crews provide the highest level of service to the communities they protect.

CEDAR VALVE

Designed by firefighters, for firefighters.

Meet the Team

CEDAR VALVE