Daniel Griswold

The City of Visalia has announced the appointment of Daniel S. Griswold as the new chief of the Visalia Fire Department.

The city partnered with the Western Fire Chiefs Association for a nationwide recruitment, with candidates from the Central Valley and as far as Florida, Maryland and Wyoming vying for the position.

“I am extremely pleased with the results of this recruitment”, said City Manager Randy Groom. “From among several top candidates, we found Dan to be not only a highly experienced candidate but an excellent fit for the department, the City organization, and the community. His leadership, experience, character, and competence quickly took him to the front of the pack, and he made a lasting, favorable impression on everyone during the process.” 

As fire chief, Griswold will oversee a department that responded to 15,229 calls for service for 2017-2018, with a staff of 82, both safety and non-safety personnel.

Griswold is from Casper, Wyoming, where he currently serves as the deputy chief of administrative support services for Casper’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. He also served as Casper’s deputy chief of operations for six years and two years as battalion chief.

“I am humbled for this opportunity to serve as Visalia’s Fire Chief. I am excited to be joining a Department and an Organization that has shown me professionalism and high character throughout the hiring process,” Griswold said. “I look forward to contributing to the organization and the Department as we continue to pursue the mission and goals of each. I believe there is honor in committing one’s life to serving others. I find personal and professional fulfillment in the fire service and look forward to beginning this next chapter of my career in Visalia.” 

Griswold will start with the City of Visalia in February 2020.