(The Center Square) – The city of Vancouver, Wash., has appointed veteran fire service leader John L. Drake II as its new permanent fire chief, citing his decades of experience overseeing large metropolitan emergency operations.
Drake most recently served as chief deputy of emergency operations and acting fire chief for the Los Angeles City Fire Department before retiring. He brings more than 38 years of experience in fire and emergency services, including directing large-scale emergency operations, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and leading more than 3,400 personnel in Los Angeles.
That experience comes as Vancouver’s emergency service demands continue to grow. The city now serves a population comparable to Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane, with emergency calls increasing by an average of 5.8% annually over the past five years. According to the city budget, the fire department responds to 38,459 calls from 11 permanent stations. With 241 full-time firefighters, the department operates at roughly 0.8 firefighters per 1,000 residents.
“I look forward to serving not only as your fire chief, but as a collaborative public safety partner working to ensure a safe and prepared community,” Drake said in a statement.
Drake succeeds Brennan Blue, who retired earlier this year after 38 years of service to the city.
Vancouver City Manager Lon Pluckhahn praised Drake’s public safety experience in his comments as the city heads into 2026.
“With his extensive public safety experience, commitment to strengthening emergency operations, and drive to advance community resilience, he will inspire and challenge our fire service,” Pluckhahn said. “As fire and emergency service needs grow and evolve, Chief Drake’s insight and strategic approach will be invaluable.”
Fire services in Vancouver are funded through the city’s fire fund, which was established through an agreement between the city and Fire District 5. Under the agreement, the two fire departments were consolidated into the Vancouver Fire Department, with the fire fund accounting for revenues and expenditures for services provided to both the city and Fire District 5 service areas.
The Vancouver Fire Department is in the midst of repairs to its facilities. As part of the city’s 2025-26 budget, $10 million has been set aside for asset management of city and fire facilities.
Drake’s first day as the Vancouver fire chief will be Dec. 29. The Center Square has filed a public records request for Drake’s compensation and benefits details.
