Stockton's Deputy Fire Chief Proposed as Next Albany Chief

Albany city staff has named the deputy fire chief of Stockton, Lance Calkins, as the top candidate for the city's next fire chief and recommends that the City Council approve his hiring effective Aug. 2.

Calkins, a 24-year veteran of the Stockton Fire Department, would fill the vacancy created by the May 31 retirement of Ed Tubbs, who served half time as Albany's fire chief and half time as Piedmont's fire chief under an agreement between the two cities. Piedmont opted not to continue with the arrangement, and Albany decided to recruit a full-time chief to replace him.

The council will consider whether to appoint him at its regular 7:30 p.m. meeting Monday, July 15.

"The City Council interviewed the top candidates from that search," says a staff report to the council from City Manager Beth Pollard, who also is retiring. "After the conclusion of the examination and interview process, the candidate that emerged as the top choice for the appointment is Lance Calkins."

"Mr. Calkins is currently a Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Stockton, and has served that department for twenty-four years," the report says. "He has extensive experience in the management and performance of firefighting operations, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and emergency operation center command. He has a Master of Science Degree in Leadership with an emphasis on Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership, and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Management.

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