Chico Fire Department Names Phil Stelle Deputy Chief
A longtime veteran of the department, Phil Stelle steps into the new leadership role to oversee daily emergency operations.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Does promoting longtime employees to leadership positions improve the performance of your local fire department?
The Chico Fire Department has officially appointed Phil Stelle to serve as its new deputy fire chief. Stelle, a department veteran with over 20 years of local service, will now oversee daily emergency operations and guide the agency’s future growth.
Why it matters
Stelle’s promotion brings extensive internal leadership to the department, leveraging his deep institutional history in Chico. His background includes significant achievements in both operational management and resource development for the local community.
Throughout his career, Phil Stelle has secured $6 million in grant funding to support departmental initiatives. He brings a total of 27 years of fire service experience to the deputy role.
The players
Phil Stelle
He is the newly appointed deputy fire chief of Chico who holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Chico State and a degree in fire science from Butte College.
Chico Fire Department
This is the primary agency responsible for providing emergency, fire, and rescue services to the residents of Chico, California.
The details
Stelle began his career with the department as a volunteer in 2003 before transitioning to a full-time role in 2006. He has previously led the Technical Rescue Team and established both the Fire Investigation Team and the department’s Drone Program.
Timeline
Phil Stelle began as a volunteer firefighter in 2003.
He was hired as a full-time firefighter in 2006.
The department named him Firefighter of the Year in 2019.
The appointment as deputy fire chief occurred in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment reflects a growing trend of municipal agencies prioritizing internal candidates who combine decades of field experience with specialized academic credentials. This strategy helps departments maintain operational continuity while adapting to modern administrative demands.
Residents can expect the new deputy chief to focus on daily emergency operations and departmental improvement. These changes aim to enhance the local fire service's ability to support firefighters and manage community safety protocols.
The takeaway
Phil Stelle’s career trajectory highlights the importance of combining years of volunteer and full-time service with specialized education. His leadership serves as an example of how long-term local investment can shape the future of a municipality's emergency infrastructure.
Further reading
For more information on local staffing and leadership changes, visit the Chico People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRCR.
Live Poll
Does promoting longtime employees to leadership positions improve the performance of your local fire department?
