City of Yuma Announces Finalists for Fire Chief Position

Yuma, Ariz. - The City of Yuma has selected four finalists in its national search for the next Fire Chief. The search was conducted in partnership with Mosaic Public Partners, a firm specializing in executive recruitment for local government, and attracted 30 applicants. The vacancy follows the retirement of Fire Chief Dusty Fields this past September after more than 30 years in the fire service.

Following initial screenings and interviews, the City has invited the following finalists to participate in on-site interviews and community engagement activities this week:

• Charles "Tony" Fletcher - Deputy Fire Chief, Vancouver Fire Department (Vancouver, Washington) Fletcher has served with the Vancouver Fire Department since 1997 and has held roles including firefighter, captain, battalion chief, division chief, and deputy chief. He previously served as a U.S. Army infantry soldier and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University in Portland.
• David Lantzer - Imperial County Fire Chief (California) Lantzer has more than three decades of fire service experience, including serving as fire chief in Holtville, Hermosa Beach, and Murrieta, California. His background includes extensive operational leadership, accreditation experience, and community risk assessment work.
  
  
• John Louser - Acting Fire Chief, City of Yuma Fire Department A Yuma native, Louser has more than 25 years of experience with the Yuma Fire Department and has progressed through roles including firefighter/paramedic, captain, battalion chief, EMS division chief, and deputy fire chief. He currently oversees day-to-day operations, emergency management, and strategic initiatives.
  
  
• Tony Velasquez - Retired Fire Chief, City of Fairfield (California) Velasquez served 32 years with the Fairfield Fire Department, including nine years as fire chief. His background includes roles as firefighter/paramedic, engineer, captain, and battalion chief, as well as advanced training through the National Fire Academy and Harvard University's Senior Executives program.

As part of the final selection process, the City will host a public Meet and Greet with the finalists on Friday, December 12, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at the Yuma Art Center (254 S. Main Street). Residents, community partners, and City employees are invited to meet the candidates, ask questions, and share input that will help inform the City's selection of the next Fire Chief.

Candidate bios are available here.

"The Fire Chief plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, preparedness, and long-term resilience of our community," said Acting City Administrator Jay Simonton. "We are pleased with the strong interest in this position and look forward to engaging the community as we move toward final selection."

The City of Yuma expects to finalize its hiring decision following this week's interview and feedback process. For more information, please contact City Administration at 928-373-5031 or visit https://www.yumaaz.gov.