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:
- Weekday, weeknight, and weekend lane closures continue on southbound I-5 in Vancouver May 14–18
Kerr Contractors Oregon LLC will close up to three southbound I-5 lanes between NE 179th St and the I-5/I-205 split through May 18. - Vancouver Police arrest assault suspect
A 34-year-old man barricaded inside a Vancouver apartment after an assault was taken into custody after SWAT negotiations. - Plan ahead for Memorial Day travel: Expect delays on Washington’s busiest routes
WSDOT’s holiday travel charts map peak congestion windows on I-5, I-90, US 2, and the Canada border crossing. - Letter: When the city of Vancouver’s own photos prove the problem
Over 5,000 Vancouver police photos obtained via FOIA show repeated cleanup notices and the same conditions returning. - New historic mural to be dedicated at Two Rivers Heritage Museum
A 24×8-foot mural by Travis London captures early Camas and Washougal life on a museum carriage house wall. - Columbia River to open for additional spring Chinook retention days
WDFW extended spring Chinook retention days after catch estimates showed room within the recreational harvest allocation. - Shared Roots and Living History: Parkersville Heritage Fair returns July 31
The Van Vleet Detective Quest challenges visitors to solve a living history mystery spanning 1854 to the present.
wpDiscuz
