After 34 years of public service, Chad Wilson is hanging up his badge as he retires from his role as the Assistant Chief of the Folsom Fire Department. From the Navy flight decks to the fire stations of Folsom, Wilson’s journey is one of passion, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to public service. As he prepares for retirement, Wilson recently sat down with Folsom Times where he reflected on his storied career, the evolution of the fire department, and the Folsom community he has come to love during his decades of service.
“As one of the legendary ‘Three Amigos,’ Assistant Chief Wilson was fundamental in shaping our department into what it is today. His dedication to teamwork, leadership, and his commitment to the entire region will be a tough hole to fill,” cited Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. “He has been deeply committed to the ongoing improvement of the Folsom Fire Department and its service to the community.”
Wilson’s introduction to firefighting wasn’t by design. It began in 1990 when he joined the Navy after graduating from Colfax High School. “I had the grades to go to college, but I wanted adventure,” said Wilson. “I didn’t think about firefighting then. I wanted to be a pilot, but poor eyesight ruled that out.”
Instead, Wilson trained as an aircraft technician, working on helicopters and occasionally flying as part of an aircrew. But it was his secondary duties as a firefighter on Navy flight decks that planted the seed for his future. “They sent me to three firefighting schools, including two advanced aircraft firefighting programs,” he said. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I really enjoyed it.”
When Wilson left the Navy, he returned home to Meadow Vista, unsure of his next step. He began volunteering with the local fire department, and the experience was transformative. “I fell in love with it really, really quick,” he said. “It just set the hook for me.”
Wilson’s early years in firefighting were a mix of hard work and relentless pursuit of opportunities. Using the GI Bill, he attended the Butte Fire Academy, earned his EMT certification, and began building his resume with seasonal work at Cal Fire and part-time paid positions. He later became one of the first full-time engineer paramedics hired by Placer Hills Fire Department.
“We worked a Monday-through-Friday shift to cover calls when volunteers were at their regular jobs,” Wilson explained. “It wasn’t glamorous, but I loved it. It was a great way to gain experience.”
His big break came in 1999 when Folsom Fire Chief Eric Dutton offered him a position. “I had been testing with various departments, and when Chief Dutton called, I said, ‘Yeah, I’m on my way,’” Wilson said. “I loved Folsom. The department had a great reputation, and the community had this small-town feel that really resonated with me.”
Wilson’s time in Folsom is marked by steady progression through the ranks. He started as a firefighter paramedic on Medic 35, transporting patients for three years. Over time, he took on roles as engineer, captain, shift chief, and eventually operations chief.
“I’ve worked every position in this department,” he said proudly. “From driving the trucks to running stations, to overseeing operations for the entire department—it’s been an incredible journey.”
As Folsom grew, so has the fire department. When Wilson started, the department operated out of four stations with two engines, a ladder truck, and two ambulances. Today, it boasts six stations, a larger fleet, and a broader scope of services. “We truly are an all-risk fire department now,” Wilson said. “From hazardous materials to water rescues, if you need help, we’ll be there.”
Wilson attributes much of this growth to the professionalism and dedication of the department’s staff. “It’s not just about the size of the agency,” he emphasized. “It’s about the competency and certifications of our personnel. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.”
A heart for the Folsom
While Wilson is proud of the department’s achievements, what stands out most to him is the community of Folsom. “Folsom embodies community,” he said. “Even as the city has grown, it still has that small-town feel where neighbors look out for each other.”
This sense of community extended to the fire department, where Wilson and his colleagues made it their mission to provide exceptional service. “When we show up, it might be the twelfth call of the day for us, but for the person we’re helping, it’s their worst day,” he said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be there for them.”
Dedication beyond Folsom
Throughout his career, Chad Wilson has been focused on much more than just Folsom, he has also been very involved in public service regionally. He has committed countless hours to collaboration and innovation beyond the city limits, shaping the fire service landscape across the Sacramento area.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is the regionalization that the Sacramento region has achieved,” Wilson said. “We ignore boundaries. It doesn’t matter what it says on the side of your door or what agency you work for—the closest resource responds.”
Wilson played a key role in fostering this spirit of cooperation during his eight years on the board of the Sacramento Regional Fire and EMS Communication Center, including two years as chair. The center dispatches resources for every fire department in the region, ensuring seamless coordination across jurisdictions. “Going to my last board meeting was tough,” he admitted. “But my goodness, I don’t think there’s another place in the state, if not the nation, that does regionalization as well as we do.”
This spirit of interoperability is embedded in the Sacramento region’s fire service. Departments operate under shared standard operating guidelines (SOGs), use the same radios and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), and have equipment that is intentionally interoperable. “We’ve come together in a way that’s truly special,” Wilson said.
One of Wilson’s most significant contributions to regional firefighting was his involvement in the creation of the Sacramento Regional Incident Management Team (IMT). The team is classified as a Type 3 team, but its efficiency and professionalism often exceed expectations. “We routinely produce a Type 1 product,” Wilson explained. “When you look at incidents like the King Fire, the Caldor Fire, or the Crozier Fire, those are massive events that take months to manage. While Cal Fire or Forest Service teams might take three or four days to mobilize, our team can be on-site within three or four hours.”
The IMT’s ability to quickly establish priorities, mobilize resources, and develop operational plans has been a game-changer for the region. “We make sure logistics are in motion, objectives are set, and everything is ready for the next operational period,” Wilson said. “By the time the Type 1 team arrives, we’ve laid the groundwork for a seamless transition.”
What sets the Sacramento Regional IMT apart is its all-hazard approach. In addition to fire service professionals from agencies like Roseville, Rocklin, El Dorado Hills, Sacramento City, Sacramento Metro, and Cosumnes, the team includes members from law enforcement agencies like the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. “That’s something unique to our region,” Wilson noted. “It makes us capable of managing any incident, from wildfires to civil unrest.”
Wilson himself served as an incident commander during the widespread civil unrest in 2020, overseeing operations at Cal Expo. “It was remarkable,” he said. “The way we came together as a team to manage that situation, to ensure safety and maintain order—it was something I’ll never forget.”
Reflecting on his role in these regional efforts, Wilson expressed deep gratitude. “Being a part of an awesome organization like Folsom was amazing, but to segue that into regional leadership has been beyond anything I ever imagined,” he said. “It’s truly an honor and a privilege to have participated in something so impactful.”
Cusano also touched on Wilson’s commitment beyond the Folsom city lines. He shared how the department is going to miss the leader that he has often gone by the nickname of “Dusty Bottoms,” amongst his longtime colleagues.
“His involvement with the Regional Incident Management Team has had a lasting and meaningful impact, supporting neighboring agencies and communities across the state,” said Cusano. “His leadership and friendship will be greatly missed within the administrative team.”
A future beyond retirement
As he prepares for the next chapter, Wilson has plans to stay involved in the fire service in a different capacity. He will work part-time in fleet maintenance and acquisition within the private sector where he will do some sales of fire and emergency vehicles, leveraging the expertise he gained managing Folsom’s fleet to “It’s flexible, low-stress, and lets me stay connected to the industry,” he said.
He and his wife are also planning to travel, starting with a trip to Portugal next month. “We’ve always dreamed of traveling,” he said. “It’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Wilson stint in Folsom has been a part a legacy of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to Folsom and the region. “Being a part of this city and this department has been an honor,” he said. “I never thought I’d do anything as incredible as this. It’s been a privilege.”
A tough goodbye
Retirement was not an easy decision for Wilson, who admits he will miss the job deeply. “I’ll miss the people, the service, the opportunity to help others every day,” said Wilson, as he wiped a tear from his eye. “It’s been a hard decision, but it’s time.”
For Wilson, stepping aside also means creating opportunities for others. He fully supports Matt McGee, his successor as operations chief. “Matt is ready, and he’ll do a fantastic job,” Wilson said. “It’s time for me to focus on being a better husband and father.”
As Wilson steps away from the fire service, his impact will surely endure in the professionalism of the Folsom Fire Department, the camaraderie of the Sacramento region’s fire community, and the countless lives he has proudly helped and touched along the way. His journey is a testament to the power of service and the difference one person can make to a community.
On Thursday, Dec. 11, members of the Folsom Fire Department and city leaders gathered to honor Wilson with an official retirement ceremony at Folsom’s Station 35 (see Folsom Times video) where the longtime dedicated public servant recieved his honorary “last call” over the radio network from Folsom Dispatch and then received countless handshakes and hugs from the many in attendance,.
