Leadership transition comes as districts complete annexation with Diamond Springs–El Dorado Fire Protection District
EL DORADO COUNTY — The El Dorado County Fire Protection District has selected Brad Gates as its next fire chief as the agency completes its annexation with the Diamond Springs–El Dorado Fire Protection District, marking a major leadership transition during a period of regional consolidation.
District officials announced the selection Monday following a nationwide recruitment process designed to identify a leader capable of guiding the newly unified agency through the growing demands of modern emergency services.
The leadership change comes as Diamond Springs–El Dorado Fire Chief Matt Gallagher has retired and El Dorado County Fire Chief Tim Cordero prepares to retire in the coming months. With the merger of the two agencies, the governing boards of both districts determined the unified organization would require a modern leadership structure capable of managing the operational, administrative and strategic responsibilities of a larger regional fire protection agency.
Officials said the expanded district reflects the increasing complexity of today’s fire service, where fire suppression, advanced life support, disaster management and interagency coordination operate as an integrated public safety system.
The selection process was conducted with the assistance of an independent consultant and included participation from the human resources committees of both district boards, full board interviews and a stakeholder panel made up of representatives from El Dorado County, the City of Placerville and private-sector leadership within the county.
Following the multi-stage process, Gates was selected unanimously by the governing boards.
To ensure continuity during the transition, Gates will work alongside Cordero during a structured leadership transition period over the next several months. Officials said the collaborative transition is intended to preserve institutional knowledge, maintain operational stability and support a seamless leadership transfer for both district personnel and the communities served.
Cordero praised the selection and expressed confidence in the district’s future leadership.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the firefighters, the Fire District, and the communities we protect as Fire Chief over the past several years,” Cordero said. “I commend the Boards of Diamond Springs Fire Protection District and El Dorado County Fire Protection District for their thoughtful and diligent work in selecting the next Fire Chief. Their commitment to identifying the best candidate ensures that our mission—providing the highest level of service, professionalism and protection for our citizens—will continue and grow under new leadership.”
Cordero added that he believes the district will remain a strong and collaborative partner within the region’s fire service network.
“I have complete confidence that El Dorado County Fire Protection District will continue to thrive as a valued and collaborative partner and leader within the Fire Service—both throughout our County and beyond. The future of this organization remains strong, and I am proud of the foundation we have built together,” he said.
El Dorado County Fire District Board Chairman Jim Edmiston also praised the selection.
“Chief Gates has impressive emergency services leadership experience in addition to extensive formal education,” Edmiston said. “We look forward to his leadership serving El Dorado County Fire, our partner agencies, and most importantly the community.”
Gates has served the El Dorado County Fire Protection District for the past three years. Prior to joining the district, he worked for the California Emergency Medical Services Authority as a Senior Emergency Services Coordinator in the Disaster Medical Services Division’s Plans and Training Unit.
During his time with the state agency, Gates was involved in statewide policy, operations and program development and provided leadership support during major incidents including wildland fires, hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before entering state service, Gates spent 17 years with American Medical Response in Contra Costa County, where he held leadership roles in management and field operations. His experience includes disaster response coordination, logistics oversight, training and exercise development and collaborative system integration with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
Gates holds a Master of Public Administration in Government Policy and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. He is credentialed as a Chief EMS Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and holds numerous emergency management and fire service qualifications. He is also a recipient of the California EMS Authority Meritorious Service Medal.
Gates and his family have lived in the Rescue area for the past seven years. He and his wife, Breena, have two children, Charleston and Tucker.
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and the opportunity to serve the residents of El Dorado County in this role,” Gates said. “This district plays a critical part in safeguarding life, protecting property, and ensuring emergency readiness across our communities. I remain committed to supporting our firefighters and professional staff, strengthening local partnerships, and delivering reliable high-quality service grounded in accountability and transparency. It is a privilege to lead an organization built on service, professionalism, and deep commitment to the people of El Dorado County.”
As the newly unified district moves forward, officials said its mission remains focused on delivering exceptional fire protection, emergency medical response, disaster preparedness and community risk reduction services to residents across El Dorado County.
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