YFD fire chief set to retire after more than 30 years of service
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A fire chief for the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is retiring after more than three decades of service.
YFD Fire Chief Dustin Fields will be retiring this Friday, September 5, closing a chapter defined by servant leadership, innovation and commitment to the Yuma community.
Chief Fields is a second-generation member of YFD as his father, John R. Fields, retired as a Battalion Chief in 1996 after 28 years of service.
Under his leadership, YFD developed a comprehensive master plan to guide staffing, operations and infrastructure for the next five to ten years.
A public reception honoring him is taking place at Yuma City Hall Wednesday, September 3, immediately following the City Council meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend.
According to YFD, Deputy Chief John Louser will take over as the Interim Fire Chief next week, along with Division Chief Richard Root, who will be taking over Deputy Fire Chief.
YFD says the roles will be temporary until a new chief is hired.
“I believe things are going to maintain. Things are going to stay the way they are…if Chief Louser does get promoted, you can expect some improvements. Chief Louser is very progressive and innovative. He’s learned from Chief Fields, and he’s more than equipped to provide the leadership needed to the City of Yuma Fire Department.”
Francisco Leon, Public Information Officer, Yuma Fire Department
YFD says we can expect a new chief to be hired in the next three to four months.
To learn more about Fields’ 30 years of service, click here.