City of Redwood City, CA
08/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/07/2024 17:02
Redwood City/San Carlos Fire Chief Ray Iverson to Retire at Year's End After Distinguished 33-Year Career
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Redwood City, California - After a distinguished 33-year career in the fire service profession, Ray Iverson, Fire Chief of the Redwood City Fire Department, serving the communities of Redwood City and San Carlos, has announced his retirement. Chief Iverson, who joined Redwood City in June 2021, will continue to lead the department until his retirement in December 2024. He will focus on succession planning and the development of future leaders, ensuring a smooth transition and continued investment in the department's growth.
"Chief Iverson has been a dedicated servant to our community," said Melissa Stevenson Diaz, City Manager. "He is a strategic and creative leader who has helped us focus on continuous improvement and ensure we are prepared to meet current and future community needs. I particularly appreciate his efforts to expand our recruitment efforts and support an inclusive culture in the department." San Carlos City Manager Jeff Maltbie echoed this sentiment, stating, "Chief Iverson's dedication and leadership have strengthened our fire services and built lasting partnerships. We are deeply appreciative of his contributions and wish him the best in his retirement."
Among his many accomplishments, Chief Iverson has been instrumental in forging strong relationships with key stakeholders, securing millions of dollars in federal funding to hire new firefighters and purchase new equipment. He has emphasized team building and cultivating trust within the department, as well as with City staff, business owners, and other key partners. In the City's 2023-24 community satisfaction survey, over 90% of respondents gave top marks to the City's fire services and 82% for emergency medical services.
"I truly believe that I have made my mark and can confidently say that I am leaving this organization in a better place," said Chief Iverson. "In the past three years, I have had the privilege of hiring 29 firefighters, three fire prevention officers, and one fire marshal, and promoting nine fire captains and two battalion chiefs. We have transformed into one of the most diverse fire departments in the county."
Throughout his career, Chief Iverson has served numerous fire departments across Northern California. His previous roles include Fire Chief of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal for Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal with the City of Benicia Fire Department, Fire Inspector with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the City of Vacaville Fire Department, and Firefighter with the City of Union City, the City of Vacaville, and the American Canyon Fire Protection District. Chief Iverson currently serves as President of the San Mateo County Fire Chief's Association and President of the International Fire Service Foundation, and is an Adjunct Faculty member for City College of San Francisco. He is also a Rotarian of San Mateo and serves as a Board of Director for the San Mateo County Historical Association.
The City will initiate an open recruitment process this fall, with the intent to appoint a new Fire Chief prior to Chief Iverson's retirement. Community members are invited to provide input on the experience and characteristics needed in the next Fire Chief by sending a message to [email protected]. A community meeting and additional community engagement opportunities will be announced later this month.
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About the City of Redwood City: The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third largest city within the County of San Mateo, with 85,992 residents. The city enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: "Climate Best by Government Test." Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county's old courthouse) and the only active deep-water port within the south bay of San Francisco. The city's vibrant downtown, quickly becoming known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.