Napa Names New Fire Department Chief

NAPA, CA – Napa City Manager Mike Parness has named Battalion Chief Steve Brassfield to take the helm as Fire Chief of the Napa Fire Department when current Chief Mike Randolph retires at the end of the year. He will step into his new role on Jan. 1, 2017.

In September, Randolph announced he would retire on Dec. 31, after nearly 28 years of dedicated service with the department.

“Steve is mission-oriented and relationship-driven,” said Parness, “with an emphasis on providing leadership focused on the future and meeting the changes and demands of fire service. I know he will continue to uphold the legacy of the Napa Fire Department.”

Brassfield spent more than five years as an emergency medical technician and a paramedic before starting his fire service career in Napa 22 years ago as a firefighter and paramedic.

After less than six years, he was promoted to fire captain, serving as a training officer and a truck captain, then shift battalion chief in 2012. In 2016, he was appointed to Administrative Battalion Chief.

Brassfield has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and an MBA in Public Administration.

Brassfield is also currently part of the 30th class of Leadership Napa Valley.

“Steve is prepared to take on the new challenges that are ahead, and his constant drive to improve, learn and grow will continue to benefit our residents, our city and our fire department," said Napa Mayor Jill Techel. "I am thrilled to welcome him to his new role as Chief.”

Dedication to serving the community was Brassfield’s driving decision to go into fire service.

“His commitment to our citizens, as well as our city council and staff, is apparent in his work ethic,” said Fire Chief Mike Randolph. “I am confident that the department will be in good hands when I pass the torch to Steve after my retirement.”

In his current role with the Napa Fire Department, Brassfield manages the City of Napa’s Disaster Preparedness and Reserve Firefighter Programs, and serves as mentor and coach as part of the Workforce Development Program, among other responsibilities.

He lives in Napa with his wife, Carina. They have two grown children, Katelynn and Tyler.

“I feel blessed to be a part of and serve the Napa community. Our fire department will continue to do great things and maintain the excellence our community expects of us,” Brassfield said. “I am thankful for this amazing opportunity.”

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--Image courtesy of Napa Fire Department