City Manager Andrew Murray is pleased to announce the appointment of James (“Jim”) Rustice as Interim Fire Chief, effective November 21, 2025. Mr. Murray extends his sincere appreciation to Chief Rustice for stepping into this important leadership role and also thanks outgoing Interim Fire Chief Art Gonzales for his outstanding service since January 2025.
Chief Rustice brings more than two decades of experience and dedication to the role. He began his fire service career with the Vallejo Fire Department on January 3, 2000, as a member of the City’s first class of firefighter-paramedics. He was promoted to Fire Engineer in 2006 and to Fire Captain in 2016, where he led crews in operations, training, and emergency response. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in August 2023 and in July 2025, assumed the role of Interim Deputy Chief, supporting department-wide administration, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
With a strong commitment to public safety and professional excellence, Chief Rustice continues to serve the Vallejo community with integrity, resilience, and a forward-looking vision for the fire service.