Palo Alto Fire Chief Selection
Recruitment is now open for a new Fire Chief, following the announcement of Fire Chief Geo Blackshire's retirement by the end of the calendar year. Chief Blackshire has served as Fire Chief for the last six years, and his leadership has been instrumental in shaping the department’s high standards of service.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment is led by the City Manager as the hiring manager, facilitated by the Human Resources Department and an executive search firm. The City Manager has the responsibility for selection of the Fire Chief in accordance with the City's municipal code, subject to approval by the City Council at a public Council meeting.
View the Fire Chief recruitment brochure here(PDF, 1MB)
Community Engagement
Community feedback was collected on the key leadership characteristics of the City's next Fire Chief and challenges or opportunities of the department. Input was synthesized into the description of the ideal candidate's key characteristics. Additionally, the Finance Committee shared perspectives on June 3, 2025. Go here for the agenda and meeting materials.
About the Palo Alto Fire Department
The Palo Alto Fire Department provides emergency medical response, fire and life safety services to the Palo Alto community and Stanford, and beyond through mutual and automatic aid agreements with regional jurisdictions. The Palo Alto Fire Department service area includes 104,000+ residents in Palo Alto and Stanford, plus thousands of daily visitors. The department manages 7 fire stations across 37.5 square miles.
Role of the Fire Chief
The Fire Chief leads the Palo Alto Fire Department, overseeing fire suppression, emergency medical response, and fire prevention programs to protect lives and property. The Chief develops strategies to ensure the department meets fire rating standards and city needs, while enhancing public awareness of fire risks and prevention. This role also manages fire prevention training, enforcing fire codes, providing emergency medical care, and coordinating mutual aid agreements with neighboring governments. The position plays a key role in updating fire and building codes, representing the City in civic and professional matters, and managing the department’s operating and capital improvement budgets. This is a critical leadership position and an opportunity to shape the future of fire response and emergency medical services in Palo Alto.
Online Resources
Palo Alto Fire Department
City Careers
