John L. Drake II brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience to the post in Vancouver, and he will begin his time as fire chief on Dec. 29
Following a nationwide search, a former leader of the Los Angeles City Fire Department has been selected as Vancouver’s new fire chief.
John L. Drake II will start as chief on Dec. 29, according to City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. Drake will succeed Brennan Blue, who retired as chief earlier this year.
“I am truly honored to serve the Vancouver community as your next fire chief,” Drake said. “I am grateful to our city leaders, public safety personnel, and community members for their support throughout the selection process. I look forward to serving not only as your fire chief, but as a collaborative public safety partner working to ensure a safe and prepared community.”
Drake brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience in fire and emergency services to Vancouver. He is a retired chief deputy of emergency operations for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and served as acting fire chief, overseeing one of the nation’s largest fire departments. His career includes directing large-scale emergency operations, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading more than 3,400 personnel across organizational services, safety, and community resilience advancements.
Drake holds a doctorate in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California, where he also taught public-sector performance management and emergency services improvement.
“I am excited to have Chief Drake joining Vancouver,” Pluckhahn said. “With his extensive public safety experience, commitment to strengthening emergency operations, and drive to advance community resilience, he will inspire and challenge our fire service. As fire and emergency service needs grow and evolve, Chief Drake’s insight and strategic approach will be invaluable.”
As chief, Drake will lead a fire department focused on meeting the evolving needs of Vancouver’s growing community. Drawing on his background in strategic planning and performance management, he will work to further strengthen service delivery, operational readiness, and community response.
Also read:
- State Representatives McClintock and Ley answer questions at town hall in Battle Ground
Residents voiced rising concerns about property taxes, school funding debates, the impact of new income tax legislation, and major costs tied to the Interstate Bridge plan. - As Washington gets an income tax, the fight to overturn it begins
Opponents are organizing lawsuits and potential ballot measures to challenge the new 9.9% income tax on Washington households earning over $1 million. - Battle Ground Police arrest suspect in fatal 2025 crash
Laboratory results from a blood sample collected in 2025 provided probable cause for police to arrest Michael T. Smith, more than a year after the Battle Ground crash. - Vancouver Police seeking missing person
Vancouver Police are searching for 62-year-old Carrie Ann Winters, who was last known to be near Frenchman’s Bar in west Vancouver. She has distinctive tattoos. - VIDEO: WA diesel hits record $6.53, crushing truckers and school budgets
With diesel nearing $6.53 per gallon in Washington, trucking businesses and school districts now confront sharply higher fuel expenses affecting budgets and workers. - WA’s status solidifies as one of the most expensive places in US
A new study shows Washington outpaces most states on cost of living, with metrics revealing a sharp rise in daily expenses and major metro areas ranking among the nation’s most expensive. - Opinion: Someone explain the Democrat Party to me please
Lars Larson criticizes Democrat politicians for shutdown threats, Homeland Security funding refusals, and positions on election laws, housing, and gun rights.
wpDiscuz
