The city of Davis announced Monday that it has named Joe Tenney as its new fire chief. Tenney comes to the position with more than 30 years’ experience as a firefighter, including nearly 20 years with the Davis Fire Department.
A Davis firefighter since 1999, Tenney advanced through the ranks of Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Captain and Division Chief. In 2004, he served for several years as a board member of Davis Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3494. He also was named Firefighter of the Year in 2003 and 2004.
“I am especially proud to name Joe Tenney as our new fire chief,” City Manager Mike Webb said. “He has served the Davis community for almost 20 years with distinction, and that experience is invaluable as we see the need for fire services increasing and changing.”
Tenney fills the chief position vacated by Daryl Arbuthnott, who departed in January to become fire chief for the city of Vallejo.
Tenney said his goal is to bring stability and progress to the Davis Fire Department.
“Technology and communications are key ingredients to our future success. The fire landscape has changed,” Tenney said. “The years ahead will be more challenging with increased fire activity, and it is important that we collaborate with fire agencies and local law enforcement to be prepared.”
Tenney also noted the Davis Fire Department’s “high quality personnel that has consistently maintained professionalism, integrity and a high customer service level.”
“Davis has a great sense of community,” Tenney added. “People thank us every day for being there for them, and there is a great feeling and reward to receive a genuine appreciation for what we do from the city’s residents.”
Born and raised in Redding, Tenney began his experience in the fire service in 1983 at Shasta High School through the ROP (Regional Occupational Program) fire training program. He attended Shasta College and worked for the Shasta College Fire Department while working toward his Associate of Arts degree in Fire Technology.
Tenney also holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue Global University.
His education also includes California State certification in many areas of the fire service. These include Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Specialist, HazMat Incident Commander and HazMat Instructor from the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI), Trench Rescue, and Rescue Systems 1, Strike Team and Task Force Leader, California Fire Officer and California Chief Officer.
Tenney was hired by the UC Davis Fire Department in 1989, becoming state certified as a Hazardous Materials Technician, including Confined Space Entry and advanced through the ranks of Firefighter, Fire Specialist and Truck Officer. He helped organize and was an original member of the UC Davis Fire Department HazMat Team.
While serving the UCD Fire Department, Tenney was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 1995 and received the Davis Outstanding Service Recognition Award in 1996. He organized a charity Fire Department basketball tournament for 8 years that included 16 fire department teams from northern California, raising funds for the UC Davis Burn Center and the Pacific Burn Institute.
Tenney is married with four children and recently became a grandfather. He will assume the chief position on Monday, July 15, with plans for a swearing-in ceremony forthcoming.