Contra Costa Supervisors Appoint Veteran Fire Department Leader

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The next leader of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District already helped reshape the agency from inside its command staff.

On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Aaron McAlister as Fire Chief of Con Fire, placing a longtime district administrator in charge of fire protection and emergency medical services for more than 790,000 residents across 13 cities and 11 unincorporated communities.

McAlister joined Con Fire in 2016 and most recently served as deputy fire chief of administration, where he oversaw fire dispatch operations, finance, human resources, information systems, and support services. Before that, he served as assistant fire chief and helped direct operational planning, staffing expansion, facility improvements, and regional coordination efforts.

County supervisors said McAlister emerged as the top candidate after a competitive selection process.

“Chief McAlister has demonstrated strong leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to public safety throughout his career with Con Fire,” Board Chair Diane Burgis said in a statement announcing the appointment.

During his tenure, McAlister helped guide several major changes inside the district, including the annexation of the East Contra Costa and Rodeo-Hercules fire districts and a service agreement with the City of Pinole, according to a press release announcing the appointment. He also supported wildfire mitigation programs and helped establish more than 40 Firewise communities aimed at reducing wildfire risk in residential neighborhoods.

Before arriving at Con Fire, McAlister served as fire chief for Dixon.

McAlister replaces Lewis Broschard, who retired in March after more than three decades in the fire service, including 18 years with Con Fire. Broschard later returned temporarily in an interim role to help stabilize leadership during the transition.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief,” McAlister said in a statement. “I look forward to building on our strong foundation and continuing our mission of protecting lives, property, and the environment throughout Contra Costa County.”

County officials said the position will cost about $79,324 for the remainder of the current fiscal year, with ongoing annual compensation projected at roughly $634,595. Funding is already included in the district’s operating budget.

McAlister holds a master’s degree in homeland security from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School and a criminal justice degree from California State University, Sacramento. He also holds certification as a fire chief through the California State Fire Marshal and a Chief Fire Officer credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.