Supes appoint longtime firefighter as county fire chief

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed a longtime fire official as chief of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, one of the Bay Area’s largest firefighting agencies.

Aaron McAlister has served with the fire district since 2016 and most recently worked as deputy fire chief of administration, overseeing dispatch operations, information systems, finance, human resources and support services.

He replaces former Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, who retired in March after more than 30 years in the fire service, including 18 years with the Contra Costa agency known as Con Fire. Broschard later returned temporarily to help with the leadership transition.

“I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief,” McAlister said in a statement.

McAlister served as assistant fire chief and helped lead efforts to expand staffing, facilities and emergency response resources, and establish more than 40 Firewise communities. He also played a major role in the annexation of the East Contra Costa and Rodeo-Hercules fire districts and in establishing service agreements with the city of Pinole, county officials said.

Before joining Con Fire, McAlister served as fire chief for the city of Dixon.

“Chief McAlister has demonstrated strong leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to public safety throughout his career with Con Fire,” Board of Supervisors Chair Diane Burgis said in a statement.