Carlsbad (CA) Fire Department veteran Michael Davis has been named the department’s new fire chief, a role Davis has prepared for with more than two decades of service in positions of increasing leadership.
Davis has served as interim fire chief since November, when Fire Chief Kevin Crawford was named interim city manager. Crawford recently announced plans to leave the city for a new position as president and CEO of the United Way of San Diego County.
“I can’t think of leaving the Carlsbad Fire Department in better hands,” said Crawford. “Chief Davis has taken an active role in the management of every aspect of the fire department, and, more importantly, he is a forward thinking, authentic leader who will champion the department’s values of excellence in public service.”
Davis was hired by the City of Carlsbad Fire Department in 1990 as a firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted to fire captain in 2003, battalion chief in 2007 and division chief in 2013.
As division chief, Davis led 75 fire service professionals and managed the day to day operations of the department. Davis also developed and oversaw the department’s performance measurement and department policies. While serving as the city’s fire marshal, Davis was credited with finding ways to partner with the business community, speeding up processes while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and safety standards.
“Public safety is best achieved through partnerships with our residents, businesses and visitors,” said Davis. “I am honored to be serving our Fire Department and the Carlsbad community in this new role.”
Davis also brings experience as a strike team leader in California and as an operation section chief for the San Diego Urban Area All-Hazard Incident Management Team.
The City of Carlsbad Fire Department has a nearly $18 million budget and a workforce of 90 staff and 130 volunteers, consistently earning a 99 percent level of satisfaction from customer service surveys and a reputation for management excellence.
Davis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational studies from California State University, Long Beach, and a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University. He is a graduate of Lead San Diego and completed the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness Regional Managers Academy. Other training includes the Fire Department Executive Development Program. Davis received an award for meritorious service for the Harmony Grove fire in 1997 and the fire storms in 2003 and 2007.
Davis lives in Carlsbad with his wife and two daughters.
Michael Calderwood, who previously served as a battalion chief for the City of Carlsbad Fire Department, will succeed Davis as Division Chief, joining Division Chief Mike Lopez, who was promoted to division chief in 2013.
