After a nationwide search, the City of Boise announced the two finalists for the Fire Chief position - Adrian Sheppard and Scott Walker. Both individuals exceed professional qualifications and bring the unique qualities needed to lead the Boise Fire Department. The candidate selected for the position will further the City’s vision to create a city for everyone, by fostering an environment of public safety and engagement.
Chief Adrian Sheppard has brought data driven decision making to his current job as the Fire Chief of Richmond, CA. He has a track record of using new technologies to improve the community emergency response. Chief Sheppard feels that civic engagement is the essential to fire service's quality and values to the community. Chief Sheppard is a retired Air Force Officer who embodies "service before self."
Chief Sheppard received a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science in Leadership and Disaster preparedness from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School's Executive Leadership Program and is a certified Chief Fire Officer (California State Fire Marshal).
Assistant Chief Scott Walker has over twenty-six years of experience with the Phoenix Fire Department. Chief Walker sees the role as the preservation of life and property, dedication to the community, providing the highest levels of customer service, focus on firefighter safety and wellness, providing a clear vision for the Department, and to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within the Department.
Chief Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University, an Associate Degree in Fire Service and has completed the Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Both candidates have been interviewed by department directors at the City of Boise, and three members of Boise City Council Holli Wooding, Lisa Sanchez and Patrick Bageant.
The two finalists will be interviewed by community stakeholders, Fire Department staff and Union leadership in addition to emergency services leaders from through our area. Feedback will be shared with the Mayor’s office and the Mayor will make a final decision which will be forwarded to City Council.
