After a nationwide recruitment and selection process that began earlier this year, the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Board of Directors has named its new fire chief. Board President Shayne Strasser made the announcement this past week.
Matt Daly, formerly a deputy chief from Downers Grove Fire Department in Illinois, now leads the 81-personnel department.
“Chief Daly has a very impressive résumé that reflects a wealth of experience and an energetic, positive leadership style,” District Public Information Officer Carissa Higginbotham stated in an announcement on Aug. 31. “Chief Daly is a strong believer in life-long learning, as his educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. He also has teaching experience as an adjunct instructor for the Fire Officer program at the Romeoville Fire Academy and the Fire Science program at Waubonsee Community College.”
In addition to having his Chief Fire Officer certification in Illinois and designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Chief Daly was recently accepted to the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
According to the release, Chief Daly formally joined the department on Aug. 25 after his retirement with the Downers Grove Fire Department with 22 years in the fire service. He has been fully engaged in the process of meeting with all staff, partner agencies and other community stakeholders during his transition.
“I am both honored and excited to be with the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District and I look forward to meeting everyone associated with the organization,” Chief Daly said. “Together, I truly believe we can provide exceptional public service to our stakeholders and operate in the most professional of ways.”
A welcome reception will take place at the beginning of the next SCFPD Board Meeting, which will be at 6 p.m. in the Station 26 Social Hall at 3318 Topeka St., Riverbank on Thursday, Sept. 8.
The district staffs nine fire stations to provide fire and emergency medical services for 523 square miles. It has an operating budget of $13.7 million and is in the process of purchasing two new fire engines and replacing a fire station. In 2015, SCFPD responded to 7,769 calls for service.
