Following a nationwide recruitment, City Manager David Gassaway announced John Sturdee as Fire Chief for the City of Fairfield. Gassaway said, “John has done a stellar job in his time as interim chief and despite incredible competition in the recruitment process, demonstrated what it takes to be a great chief.” Sturdee assumed the role of interim fire chief on August 1, after former Fire Chief Matt Luckenbach retired.
John Sturdee began his impressive career with Fairfield Fire as a volunteer firefighter in 1989. He became a firefighter/paramedic in 1996, a fire engineer in 2002, a fire captain in 2005, a battalion chief in 2013, a deputy chief in 2020 and has served as interim fire chief for the past three months.
Sturdee is a member of the Fairfield Fire Managers Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, and Fire Department Safety Officers Association. During his tenure, John was named Fire Officer of the Year, and twice named Firefighter of the Year. He was also awarded two City Manager Commendations and two Life Saving Awards.
Sturdee stated, “I am honored to serve our community, and I am committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, our firefighters and the people we protect.”