Chuck Ryan Named Tucson’s New Fire Chief

TUCSON, AZ — City of Tucson officials announced today that Charles “Chuck” Ryan will serve as the Tucson Fire Department’s 28th fire chief, after the City conducted a “complete assessment process” and “competive” search nationwide.

Landing the job as Tucson's new fire chief heading the second largest department in Arizona and the 32nd busiest in the U.S. meant a lot of interviewing for Ryan. Interviews were conducted with a leadership panel including public and private sector representatives, a Fire Services technical panel and City staff. Q&As were also held with city stakeholders, the City Manager’s Executive Leadership Team and Tucson Fire employees.

Ryan’s most recent experience is with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in the role of assistant fire chief. In that position, he headed the department’s Business Services Bureau, overseeing the IT Section, Support Services Division, Fiscal Services Division, Fire Marshal’s Office, Prevention Division and Planning Section. Ryan also oversaw the efforts of the agency’s ISO Program Manager and Accreditation Program Manager.

Ryan will begin his new role leading TFD Sept. 30.

TFD, rated ISO Class 1, comprises 49 non-sworn and 632 uniformed personnel and 22 fire stations.