Albuquerque Fire Chief To Take Over In Hillsboro

HILLSBORO, OR — After an eight-month national recruitment search, the Hillsboro Fire Department has a new Fire Chief: David Downey of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Currently the fire chief for the Albuquerque Fire Department, Downey comes to Hillsboro with 24 years of firefighting experience, replacing Interim Fire Chief Scott Magers — who assumed the role following the January retirement of Fire Chief Greg Nelson. As the fire chief in Albuquerque, Downey led 700 uniformed fire station personnel at 22 different stations, according to city spokesman Patrick Preston.

Downey will reportedly take over as chief on Sept. 25.

"David is a smart and strategic leader who greatly impressed us with his strong experience dealing with complicated issues in an ever-changing environment," City Manager Michael Brown said in a statement, noting Downey's previous experience covering a city of 557,000 people. "Adding his experience and perspective to a Fire Department already rich with leadership will help us remain at the forefront of delivering the very best service and advance in our efficiency and effectiveness. David will be a great addition to our community."

Downey also appears excited to get started in a new environment.

"Hillsboro is a dynamic community to serve, and I cannot wait to get started," he said. "I was thoroughly impressed by everybody throughout the selection process, by their professionalism and the city's commitment to public safety. I want to play a meaningful role in helping the team succeed in new ways, and I am very grateful for that opportunity."

As Hillsboro's fire chief, Downey will oversee all major fire and emergency operations in which the fire department will play a role, as well as manage and maintain fire department staff, Preston explained.

For Magers' part, Brown was thankful for his leadership, which he also acknowledged in the city's official statement.

"Scott was instrumental on several large projects, including labor negotiations, the passage of the Local Option Levy, and improving communication throughout the Fire Department — all while maintaining his duties as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations," Brown said. "We are very grateful to Chief Magers for his excellent leadership."

For more information about the Hillsboro Fire Department, visit Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/Fire.

Photo Courtesy: City of Hillsboro