Fire Chief Recruitment

The City of Vancouver is recruiting for a new fire chief. Thank you to those who attended the candidate forum on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The City looks forward to announcing a final selection in the coming weeks. Finalist biographies are included below.

Candidate Biographies

Nathan Leek serves as the Acting Fire Chief for the City of Vancouver, Washington, where he leads a department of 270 employees and manages an annual budget of $86 million. With over three decades of experience in fire service leadership, operations management, and strategic planning, Chief Leek is recognized for his commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in public safety. Prior to joining the Vancouver Fire Department, he served more than 25 years with the Hillsboro Fire Department in Oregon, progressing through multiple leadership positions. He has experience in large scale disaster management serving for many years on the Oregon State Incident Management Teams. Chief Leek holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration with a minor in Business and is an active member of the Washington Metro Fire Chiefs.

Lewis M. Harris is an accomplished fire service executive with more than 27 years of progressive leadership in operations, prevention, training, and administration within the Tucson Fire Department. As Assistant Fire Chief, he oversees multiple divisions, manages multimillion-dollar budgets, and directs strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, workforce development, and community safety. Known for his expertise in incident command, fiscal accountability, and organizational change management, he has successfully led labor negotiations, advanced diversity recruitment, and modernized critical support services. Lewis holds a BSBA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Arizona and is a Certified Public Manager with multiple fire officer and instructor certifications.

Tony Fletcher is an accomplished fire service leader with over two decades of experience advancing public safety and operational excellence in the Vancouver Fire Department. Currently serving as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, he oversees EMS, Training, Human Resources and budgeting. His leadership has strengthened emergency response operations, enhanced firefighter safety, and guided the department toward accreditation and continuous improvement. Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, Communications, and Leadership from Concordia University and maintains multiple certifications, including Hazmat On Scene Incident Commander and EMT.

John L. Drake II, DPPD, is a retired Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations and Acting Fire Chief for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, bringing over 38 years of progressive public safety leadership. He has directed large-scale emergency operations, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and led more than 3,400 personnel in advancing organizational services, safety,
and community resilience. A strategic and collaborative leader, Dr. Drake has developed and implemented comprehensive strategic plans, performance management systems, and leadership programs that strengthen operational effectiveness and employee engagement. Holding a Doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California (USC), he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at USC, teaching public sector
performance management, organizational behavior, and methods to improve public safety and emergency services at the USC Center on National Defense and Public Safety.