San Juan County Promotes Vega to Fire Chief

New San Juan County Fire & Rescue Chief David Vega

Chief Vega has 27 years of experience in the fire service, serving as a volunteer, paid firefighter, and on various Incident Management Teams on wildfires throughout the country. Vega has served with San Juan County since 2011. Before coming to San Juan County, Chief Vega worked for the US Forest Service, and the Los Pinos Fire Protection District. Chief Vega started his fire service career as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Pagosa Fire Protection District in 1996.

From San Juan County

Thursday, February 2, 2023

San Juan County announces the selection of David Vega as the next Fire Chief of San Juan County Fire & Rescue.
“I’m extremely humbled by this opportunity to lead such a unique, diverse and dedicated group of professional first responders,” said Chief Vega.
Vega most recently served as SJCFR Deputy Chief of Operations under Fire Chief John Mohler. Chief Mohler has retired effective January 31, 2023.  “David brings a wealth of fire service experience and a proven track record of success. The citizens of San Juan County will benefit from his leadership and passion to serve,” said San Juan County Manager Mike Stark.


Vega was one of six applicants from across the country who applied in January. A diverse panel of five professionals from across different disciplines selected Vega from three interviewed applicants.

Chief Vega has 27 years of experience in the fire service, serving as a volunteer, paid firefighter, and on various Incident Management Teams on wildfires throughout the country. Vega has served with San Juan County since 2011. Before coming to San Juan County, Chief Vega worked for the US Forest Service, and the Los Pinos Fire Protection District. Chief Vega started his fire service career as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Pagosa Fire Protection District in 1996.


San Juan County Fire & Rescue is comprised of 11 districts serving more than 3,000 square miles, including the City of Bloomfield. The dedicated volunteers respond to all types of emergencies and provide mutual aid to surrounding agencies.
For more information about volunteering and serving your neighbors as a member of San Juan County Fire & Rescue, call 505-334-1180 or go online to SJCFireRescue.net.

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