LAMORINDA WEEKLY | McAlister appointed ConFire deputy fire chief


Aaron McAlister Photo courtesy ConFire

When former Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Carman departed in March, he praised his relationship with Deputy Chief Lewis Broschard, who succeeded Carman as fire chief. "I hope he gets a deputy chief that he can count on as much as I have," Carman said at his retirement ceremony.

Broschard did not waste any time, as ConFire announced the May 1 appointment of Assistant Fire Chief Aaron McAlister as the district deputy fire chief. In his new role, McAlister will supervise the operations of the 400-employee fire organization, reporting directly to Broschard.

"I'm honored to be selected for this incredible and challenging leadership position for one of the busiest fire districts in the state," McAlister said in a statement. "While we have accomplished much for the citizens we serve in recent years, significant challenges remain and I look forward to working with our team and community leaders to ensure we continue to deliver the very best emergency services anywhere."

"Chief McAlister has more than demonstrated his potential for the challenges of this leadership role since joining the district as assistant chief of support services in 2016. I look forward to his continued contributions as deputy chief," added Broschard.

According to the district, McAlister is a certified and qualified Type 3 incident commander and was recently appointed as an incident commander for the East Bay Incident Management Team, serving Contra Costa and Alameda counties. He is the alternate California Office of Emergency Services, Region II mutual aid coordinator, as well as the alternate operational area coordinator for Contra Costa County.

"With Fire Station 16, we are in the home stretch," said McAlister, speaking to Lafayette residents. "Landscaping, paving and some tile work remain to be done, and we hope to occupy in early June."

The deputy chief stressed that Lafayette has the potential for a major wildfire disaster, which is why the district has invested in Fire Station 16 and the early staffing of Engine Company 16 prior to the opening of the new building. He urged Lafayette residents to do their part and to sign up for the Contra Costa County Community Warning System, and to maintain defensible space around their homes.

"Give us a chance to save your property," McAlister said.