Veteran Firefighter Tapped to Lead Davis, CA, Fire Department
Joe Tenney will retire this month after more than 26 years with the Davis Fire Department, capping a 38-year career in fire service. Paul Swanson will take over as Davis’ next fire chief next Tuesday, according to the city.
Tenney began his fire service career at the UC Davis Fire Department and the Shasta College Fire Department. He joined the Davis Fire Department in 2000 after earning multiple California state fire certifications and an associate degree in fire technology, the city said in a news release.
He served as a fire captain and battalion chief before being promoted to fire chief in 2019.
During his career, Tenney earned California certifications as a fire officer, hazardous materials specialist, incident commander, trench rescue technician and technical rescue technician. He also completed the state chief officer certification and earned a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency management.
Tenney served on the board of directors and as secretary for Davis Professional Firefighters Local 3494.
As chief, he oversaw the hiring and promotion of 45 personnel, including firefighters, captains and battalion chiefs.
Tenney said he is proud of the department’s commitment to service.
“There is so much I will miss — the team, the residents and the remarkable sense of camaraderie that defines the Fire Department,” he said. “Serving in the fire service, and doing so for a community as welcoming and appreciative as Davis, has truly been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
In retirement, Tenney said he plans to spend more time with his wife, Jacque, as well as their four children and five grandchildren. He also plans to travel and play baseball.
Davis City Manager Daryel Dunston said he and Tenney bonded over shared leadership principles.
“Having started my career in local government with the fire service, Joe and I hit it off on my first day in Davis, trading battle stories on emergency incidents we’ve managed and sharing a deep connection on leadership principles,” he said. “Joe exemplifies the selfless qualities a community seeks in a fire chief, always placing others’ needs above his own. While I wish him well in retirement, he will certainly be missed.”
Davis Mayor Donna Neville said Tenney’s leadership has inspired the next generation of firefighters.
Paul Swanson: New fire chief
Swanson, a lifelong Davis resident, brings 30 years of fire service experience to the role, all with the city’s Fire Department. He began as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 and was hired full-time in 1996. He was promoted to captain in 2007 and division chief in 2012.
Swanson is a three-time Davis Firefighter of the Year, earning the honor in 1995, 2001 and 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service management from Sacramento State and is a certified chief fire officer through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Swanson said he is honored to lead the department.
“I feel truly fortunate to serve with such dedicated and talented public servants — individuals who embody what it means to put community first,” he said in a statement. “I am honored to continue that service as fire chief, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Dunston said Swanson has long been prepared for the role.
“I’ve worked closely with Paul since arriving in Davis, and truth be told, he was ready to be a fire chief 10 years ago,” Dunston said. “For Paul to place our community and this department above his professional goals is not only admirable — it is the type of person that I want leading the Davis Fire Department into the next generation.”
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