Heartland Fire & Rescue Names New Fire Chief

LA MESA, CA – The cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, who jointly manage Heartland Fire & Rescue, have appointed Steve Swaney as the new fire chief.

Swaney, 55, began working for the city of El Cajon, and later Heartland Fire & Rescue, in 1985. He most recently served as a division chief, overseeing the daily operations of all the fire stations in the three cities and ensuring public safety needs were being met in the region.

"It is an honor to have been chosen as the next fire chief of Heartland Fire & Rescue, and I am excited for the opportunity to lead such a great organization," Swaney said in a statement.

In addition to his time with Heartland Fire & Rescue, Swaney previously served as the fire chief for the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District. He is also a certified FEMA canine evaluator and a lead instructor for the FEMA Canine Search Specialist School, and has been deployed as a commander on regional and statewide fire events.

Swaney graduated from California Coast University with a bachelor's degree in management. He has an associate's degree in fire science from Miramar College and is a graduate of the Leadership East County class of 2016.

Swaney will start his new position on Oct. 20. His annual salary will be $164,403.20, according to the city of El Cajon. He replaces Colin Stowell, who was recently appointed fire chief for the city of San Diego.

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