On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors are set to appoint Aaron J. McAlister as the next fire chief of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
If approved, his salary would be $26,624.71/month.
According to the agenda item:
In anticipation of the scheduled retirement of Fire Chief Lewis Broschard III in March 2026, the Board of Directors launched an executive recruitment facilitated by Peckham & McKenney, a public-sector executive recruiting firm, on Monday, February 23rd for a four-week period ending on March 20, 2026.
Following the recruitment period, the District convened an interview panel on April 22, 2026 composed of Board Chairperson Diane Burgis, Director Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Administrator Monica Nino, IAFF Local 1230 President Vince Wells and Santa Clara County Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew to review qualified applicants. Today’s action recommends the appointment of Deputy Fire Chief Aaron J. McAlister as Fire Chief effective immediately following adoption.
Aaron J. McAlister has over 30 years of experience in the fire service and has served the District since 2016 – most recently as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, overseeing Communications/Fire Dispatch, Information Systems, Support Services, Finance, and Human Resources. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Fire Chief and played a key role in strengthening the District’s operational readiness, facilities, staffing, and regional coordination. McAlister holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento.
He is a Certified Fire Chief through the California State Fire Marshal and holds a Chief Fire Officer credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
See staff Report
Previous
- April 6, 2026 – Fire Chief Lewis Broschard Reinstated to Lead Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
- March 27, 2026 – Contra Costa Fire Bids Farewell to Fire Chief
- Jan 21, 2026 – Contra Costa County Fire Chief Announces Retirement
