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City of Mesa Announces Six Finalists for Fire and Medical Chief

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The City of Mesa has named six finalists in its search for the next Chief of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. The candidates will participate in interviews on Oct. 27 and 28 with a final selection anticipated following the completion of the interview and evaluation process.

"We've seen strong interest in this position from candidates across the country, which speaks to the reputation of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department," said City Manager Scott Butler. "Our priority is finding a leader who will support our firefighters and medical personnel, build on the department's strengths and continue moving Mesa forward through innovation and exceptional service."

The finalists were identified through a nationwide recruitment process led by Mosaic Public Partners. The City received 33 applications and evaluated candidates based on leadership experience, professional qualifications, operational expertise in emergency response, fire prevention, public safety, disaster preparedness and training. Following initial interviews, these candidates were selected to advance to the final stage, which will include meeting with Mesa Fire and Medical personnel, community members and City staff.

The six finalists are:

, Assistant Fire Chief, Phoenix Fire Department (Phoenix, AZ)

Alexander has served with the Phoenix Fire Department since 1997 and currently serves as Assistant Fire Chief overseeing the Community Risk Reduction Division. He previously served as Division Chief and Deputy Chief, advancing through the ranks from firefighter, engineer and fire captain. He has held leadership roles in planning and emergency response for major events, including Super Bowl LVII, the NCAA Men's Final Four and the COVID-19 response. He is also a member of FEMA's Arizona Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team and has served on deployments across the country. Alexander holds a master's degree in homeland defense and security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, a bachelor's degree in emergency management from Northern Arizona University and an associate degree in emergency response and operations.

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Assistant Fire Chief, Mesa Fire and Medical Department (Mesa, AZ)

Hayes has served the City of Mesa for 30 years, including more than 28 years with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. She began her fire service career as a firefighter/paramedic in 1998 and has served as Assistant Fire Chief since 2013. She has held leadership responsibilities across nearly every division of the department, including emergency operations, training, emergency medical services, fire prevention and emergency management, with oversight of a $180 million annual departmental budget. Her regional leadership experience includes work with the Greater Phoenix Automatic Aid system, which coordinates emergency response among 26 fire departments, and service as Executive Director of East Valley Firefighter Charities. Hayes holds a bachelor's degree in municipal operations management from Arizona State University and associate degrees in fire science and paramedicine from Mesa Community College.

, Former Interim Fire Chief, Fort Worth Fire Department (Fort Worth, TX)

Hill has more than 30 years of fire service experience with the Fort Worth Fire Department, retiring as Interim Fire Chief in September 2026. In that role, he led a department with more than 1,500 personnel and 45 fire stations serving Fort Worth and 14 partner cities. He oversaw the first full year of city-operated, fire-based emergency medical services following the transition from MedStar, including the integration of approximately 600 employees. Previously, he served as Executive Assistant Chief overseeing training, logistics and emergency management. Hill holds a master's degree in managerial science, a bachelor's degree in communications and journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso, and associate degrees in fire science and nursing, along with several executive fire service credentials.

, Assistant Fire Chief, Arlington County Fire Department (Arlington, VA)

Jenkins has 30 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services and currently serves as Assistant Fire Chief with the Arlington County Fire Department. He previously served with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, retiring from that department in 2023 after advancing through the ranks from firefighter/paramedic to Assistant Fire Chief. His leadership experience includes service with federal urban search and rescue teams, an appointment to Virginia's EMS Advisory Board and leadership of regional emergency response committees. He holds two master's degrees from Johns Hopkins University in organizational leadership and intelligence analysis, as well as executive leadership credentials from Harvard University and the Naval Postgraduate School. Jenkins also holds professional designations as Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Chief Training Officer and Fire Marshal.

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, Deputy Director, Mesa Public Safety Support (Mesa, AZ)

Smith has more than 35 years of experience in public- and private-sector communications and organizational leadership, including 26 years with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. He retired as Assistant Fire Chief after serving in several roles, including firefighter/paramedic, and currently serves as Deputy Director of Mesa Public Safety Support, overseeing the City's 9-1-1 communications. His experience includes public safety operations, emergency communications, community risk reduction and organizational leadership. He previously served as a fire department spokesperson, representing Mesa through national media appearances and public safety conferences. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from California State University, Fullerton, and a project management certificate from Cornell University, and has completed local and state leadership development programs.

, Former Fire Chief, Waco Fire Department (Waco, TX)

Walker has more than 30 years of fire service experience, including serving as Fire Chief of the Waco Fire Department in Texas. In that role, he oversaw 14 fire stations, 211 sworn personnel and a $38.2 million departmental budget. Previously, he served with the Phoenix Fire Department, advancing from firefighter to Executive Assistant Fire Chief and overseeing major capital improvements, including a $100 million program involving six new fire stations. He also led public safety planning for Super Bowl XLIX and other major regional events and currently serves as Public Safety Liaison for the Vincere Cancer Center, supporting cancer screening for first responders. Walker holds a bachelor's degree in public safety and emergency management from Grand Canyon University and completed an executive leadership program at the Naval Postgraduate School.
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