EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — A major leadership transition is underway for fire protection services across western El Dorado County as the El Dorado County Fire Protection District prepares to complete its annexation with the Diamond Springs–El Dorado Fire Protection District.
District officials announced that Brad Gates has been selected as the next fire chief, following a nationwide recruitment process and a unanimous decision by the governing boards of both agencies. Gates will lead the unified district as it finalizes a multi-year consolidation designed to improve operational efficiency and long-term sustainability for fire and emergency services.
The appointment comes during a significant leadership shift. Matt Gallagher recently retired from the Diamond Springs–El Dorado district, while Tim Cordero is preparing to retire after several years leading the county district.
To ensure continuity, Gates will work alongside Cordero during a structured transition period over the coming months. Officials say the overlap will help preserve institutional knowledge while maintaining operational consistency for firefighters and the communities they serve.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the firefighters, the Fire District, and the communities we protect as Fire Chief,”
Cordero said in a statement.
“Their commitment to identifying the best candidate ensures that our mission — providing the highest level of service, professionalism and protection for our citizens — will continue and grow under new leadership.”
A district preparing for consolidation
The leadership change coincides with the final stages of a complex annexation process between the two fire agencies. The merger, overseen through the El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission, aims to dissolve the Diamond Springs–El Dorado district and integrate its personnel, facilities and service area into the county fire district.
Officials say the reorganization will allow the combined agency to streamline administration, strengthen emergency response capabilities and maintain long-term financial stability without closing fire stations or eliminating staff positions.
The consolidation effort began with a shared services agreement in 2022. After feasibility studies in 2024, a formal reorganization application was submitted later that year. Completion of the annexation is targeted for the 2025–2026 timeframe.
Operational integration has already begun. Training programs, staffing assignments and administrative functions — including the Fire Prevention Bureau — have been consolidated at Station 49 as the agencies prepare to operate as a single district.
National search leads to Gates
The governing boards initiated a nationwide recruitment process led by an independent consultant. The selection included participation from human resources committees, full board interviews and a stakeholder panel with representatives from El Dorado County government, the City of Placerville and private-sector leaders within the county.
After the multi-stage evaluation, Gates emerged as the unanimous choice.
“Chief Gates has impressive emergency services leadership experience in addition to extensive formal education,” said Jim Edmiston. “We look forward to his leadership serving El Dorado County Fire, our partner agencies and most importantly the community.”
Experience in disaster response and EMS leadership
Gates has served with the El Dorado County Fire District for the past three years. Before joining the district, he worked for the California Emergency Medical Services Authority as a senior emergency services coordinator in the Disaster Medical Services Division.
In that role, he supported statewide planning, training and policy development while assisting with responses to major emergencies, including wildfires, hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in his career, Gates spent 17 years with American Medical Response in Contra Costa County, holding leadership roles in field operations and management.
His background includes disaster response coordination, logistics management, emergency training programs and multi-agency system integration with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
Gates holds a Master of Public Administration in Government Policy and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. He is also credentialed as a Chief EMS Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and has received the California EMS Authority Meritorious Service Medal.
Looking ahead
Gates, who lives in Rescue with his wife and two children, said he views the appointment as both an honor and a responsibility to the region’s residents.
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and the opportunity to serve the residents of El Dorado County in this role,”
Gates said.
“This district plays a critical part in safeguarding life, protecting property and ensuring emergency readiness across our communities.”
As the unified district moves forward, officials say the agency’s mission remains unchanged: delivering fire protection, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness and community risk-reduction programs to residents throughout western El Dorado County.
