Mountain View Fire Rescue announced on March 6 that four finalists have been chosen in the search for the next MVFR fire chief, as Fire Chief Dave Beebe will retire next month. The four finalists were chosen after an “extensive national executive search” and the department said that each candidate was chosen because of their “distinguished leadership, extensive experience, and dedication to public service.”
The four finalists are Michael Mire of Houston Fire Department in Texas, Patrick Reid of Pasco Fire Department in Washington, Pepper Valdez of Billings Fire Department in Montana, and Anthony Velasquez of Fairfield Fire Department in California.
Mire, who is a district chief of emergency operations, has more than two decades of fire service experience and has served as a firefighter, paramedic, and U.S. Army staff sergeant. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science with an officer specialization, a bachelor’s degree in public service leadership, and a master’s degree in human resource development.
Reid, a deputy fire chief, has held leadership positions in four states and has more than 30 years of experience in the fire service, as well as a background as a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program manager. He has a bachelor’s degree in emergency services administration, a master’s degree in management and leadership, and he is currently working toward a doctoral degree in the same field.
Valdez, who is a fire chief, has advanced through the ranks of the Billings Fire Department over the last 25 years, according to the infographic. Throughout his career, he has taken on roles as a paramedic, firefighter, engineer, and senior assistant fire chief. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on accounting and a master’s degree in organizational and executive leadership.
Velasquez has accumulated more than three decades of fire service experience, with the last nine years spent as a fire chief. Based in California, he began his career with the California Department of Forestry and has earned an associate’s degree in fire technology, a bachelor’s degree in human relations, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
A mixer was held last night at The Overlook at Colliers Hill Community Center, during which community members got to meet the four finalists.
Final interviews are taking place this week and a decision will be made at the board of director’s meeting on March 18.
