The Scottsdale Fire Department has announced the appointment of three new assistant fire chiefs, joining current Assistant Fire Chief Clint Steeves to form an expanded executive team. The new leadership group includes Assistant Chiefs Steeves, Robert Rucker, Aren Hansen, and Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon. Together, they bring a combined experience of nearly 100 years in various areas such as operations, prevention, and administration.
Fire Chief Tom Shannon stated, “This is an exceptional group of leaders who understand this department at every level. They have led through complex incidents, major special events and organizational growth. Their experience ensures we remain operationally strong, fiscally responsible and focused on reducing risk in our community.”
City Manager Greg Caton highlighted the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety with these appointments. “This leadership team brings nearly 100 years of combined experience across operations, prevention, wildland response, special events, finance and workforce development,” Caton said. “Their steady leadership will help guide the department forward while continuing to deliver the high level of service our community expects.”
The assistant chiefs have held roles overseeing fire operations, special operations, wildland coordination, prevention and code enforcement, event planning for major occasions in Scottsdale—a city known for hosting world-class events—recruitment and training initiatives, logistics management, budgeting processes and capital planning.
Scottsdale’s history reflects a blend of Western heritage and cultural activities that have attracted artists and writers since its early days (official history page). Today it features multiple city departments including parks and recreational spaces such as those in Indian Bend Wash (organizational chart). The city operates under a council-manager government structure where legislative authority is vested in the council (official website).
Assistant Fire Chief Clint Steeves began his career in 1996 with Rural Metro Fire Department before joining Scottsdale in 2005. He has served as captain and paramedic as well as battalion chief and deputy chief of special operations. His educational background includes an associate degree from Phoenix College and a bachelor’s degree from South University.
Robert Rucker brings more than 37 years of fire service experience with 14 years as a chief officer in Scottsdale. His responsibilities have included emergency operations leadership as well as resource management for equipment budgets totaling $6 million.
Aren Hansen started his firefighting career in 1997 before joining Scottsdale in 2005. He has moved through several ranks up to deputy chief while supporting labor-management relations.
Kristi Gagnon joined Scottsdale’s fire department in 2019 before becoming fire marshal in 2022. She oversees hazard reduction efforts for major local events like the WM Phoenix Open.
Scottsdale was ranked among the top 15 safest U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 according to Forbes (official recognition page). By the year 2000 its population exceeded 202,000 residents across about 185 square miles (official history page).
Looking ahead at departmental continuity and future growth needs within this context of community expectations for excellence—“Our community expects excellence,” Shannon said. “That requires leaders who understand both emergency operations and the systems that support them. This team brings that balance.” He added: “These leaders understand our history and are focused on innovation, mentorship and preparing the next generation. Their leadership ensures the Scottsdale Fire Department remains prepared, resilient and ready to serve a growing community.”
