Davis Fire Chief Retires, Hometown Firefighter Takes Over

Division Chief Paul Swanson, a lifelong Davis resident, will become the city's next fire chief on Tuesday.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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After more than 26 years with the Davis Fire Department, Fire Chief Joe Tenney is retiring this month, and Division Chief Paul Swanson, a lifelong Davis resident, is set to become the city's next fire chief on Tuesday. Swanson started as a volunteer firefighter in Davis in 1993 and worked his way up through the ranks before this latest promotion.

Why it matters

The transition will keep leadership of the Davis Fire Department within the local community, as Tenney steps back from a long run in the region's fire service. Swanson's promotion represents a classic local ladder climb, reflecting the department's commitment to developing talent from within.

The details

Swanson holds a bachelor's degree in fire service management from Sacramento State and is certified as a chief fire officer by the California State Fire Marshal. As fire chief, Tenney focused on improving training, communications and recordkeeping while overseeing the department's daily operations for the city. Tenney said he will miss the 'remarkable sense of camaraderie' that defines the department.

  • Tenney joined the UC Davis Fire Department in 1989.
  • Tenney moved to the City of Davis in September 1999 and was appointed fire chief in 2019.
  • Swanson started as a volunteer firefighter in Davis in 1993 and was hired full time in 1996.
  • Swanson's promotion to fire chief will be effective on Tuesday.

The players

Joe Tenney

The retiring Davis Fire Chief who has led the department for the past 7 years.

Paul Swanson

A lifelong Davis resident who started as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 and is now being promoted to fire chief.

Mike Webb

The Davis City Manager who announced Tenney's retirement and Swanson's appointment as the next fire chief.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored to lead the department.”

— Paul Swanson, Incoming Fire Chief (The Sacramento Bee)

“I will miss the team and the remarkable sense of camaraderie that defines the department.”

— Joe Tenney, Retiring Fire Chief (The Sacramento Bee)

What’s next

Swanson's promotion to fire chief will be effective on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The transition of leadership in the Davis Fire Department will keep the chief's role within the local community, as a longtime firefighter and Davis resident takes over the top job. This reflects the department's commitment to developing talent from within and maintaining strong ties to the city it serves.