The City of Poway is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Mitchell to fire chief. Mitchell was the Poway Fire Department’s deputy fire chief and was selected to fill the top roll upon the retirement of Jeff Chumbley on Dec. 22.
"I am deeply committed to fostering relationships, improving resiliency, and ensuring the Poway Fire Department remains a trusted pillar of trust in the community,” said Mitchell. “I could not be prouder to lead the talented and dedicated members of the Poway Fire Department who make a meaningful difference to better the organization and serve the community each and every day."
Mitchell's fire service career began as a Fire Explorer with the Los Angeles City Fire department in 1991. He grew up with the fire service in his family. His dad was a firefighter for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, a brother and nephew both work for the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, and his son is working towards a career in the fire service.
Mitchell’s journey with the Poway Fire Department began in 2001 when he was hired as a firefighter paramedic. His dedication and professionalism led to a series of well-deserved promotions, and he has held every rank in the department, from fire engineer/paramedic to fire battalion chief. Mitchell began serving as the department’s deputy fire chief in 2022.
“As he takes on this new role, the Poway community can rest assured that the department remains committed to upholding high standards of excellence and ensuring the safety and well-being of Poway firefighters and the community they serve,” said City Manager Chris Hazeltine. “I have great confidence in Chief Mitchell. Please join me in congratulating him on this ultimate career milestone achievement.”
Poway Firefighters Association President Mark Rodriguez said that the Poway firefighters are extremely proud and excited to have one of our own as the next fire chief:
“Chief Mitchell rose through the ranks in the Poway Fire Department and has never forgotten his roots,” said Rodriguez. “We are all so very proud of him and all he’s accomplished. We will continue to grow our dedicated partnership and collaboration with Chief Mitchell and his team to better serve the citizens of Poway.”
His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University and an associate degree from Palomar College in paramedic training. Mitchell completed the chief officer certification from California State Fire Training and has held certification as a California Incident Command Certification System strike team leader.
Since 1961, members of the Poway Fire Department have served the residents, businesses, and visitors of the “City in the Country” with a tradition of compassion, professionalism, and innovation. Today, the department continues the tradition of service excellence as an all-hazards, all-risk public safety organization responding to over 5,000 calls for service each year. The Poway Fire Department is designated “Class 1” by the Insurance Services Organization’s Public Protection Classification program for providing exemplary fire protection.
Photo collage below: On scene at the 2016 Blue Cut fire in San Bernardino County (top left); Chief Mitchell (center) along with Scott Post and Ray Fried were Poway's first battalion chiefs in 2016 (top right); Chief Mitchell grew up around the fire service - his dad was a firefighter in Los Angeles, and his brother works for San Diego Fire-Rescue (bottom left, center and right); Chief Mitchell spent his first years with the City of San Diego before starting with the Poway Fire Department in 2001 (middle right photos).
