Summary of Qualifications
With over four decades of experience in public safety, Micheal Despain has led multiple fire agencies as both a permanent and interim fire chief, including the cities of Clovis (CA), Lincoln (NE), Fresno (CA), Rocklin (CA), and Piedmont (CA). For the past four years, he has served as contract consultant/Interim Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Redmond (WA), where his strategic planning and financial leadership have generated over $13 million in additional revenue.
Chief Despain is nationally recognized for his expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and organizational transformation. As a fire service leader and consultant, he advises fire service organizations across the country, helping them exceed community expectations through innovative planning, data-informed decisions, and creative funding models. His experience spans urban, suburban, and rural environments—making him a trusted partner for agencies navigating complex challenges, including mergers, contracts for service and regional fire solutions (specifically regional fire authorities).
He has served as a subject matter expert for the U.S. Fire Administration and the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), and has influenced state and national fire policy as a board member for both the League of California Cities and the California Fire Chiefs Association.
A frequent keynote speaker and respected conference presenter, Chief Despain is known for translating complex operational issues into practical, results-driven solutions. His contributions to national fire service literature include the Fire & Emergency Services Self-Assessment Manual (9th Ed.), Community Risk Reduction/Standards of Cover (5th Ed.), and the 21st Century Fire and Emergency Services White Paper—a collaborative initiative of ICMA, CPSE, and NFPA.
Professional Development & Education
- S. Fire Administration – National Fire Academy EFO, Executive Fire Officer,1998-2001
- National University MA, Human Resource Management, 1997-1998
- Fresno Pacific University BA, Management & Organizational Development, 1995–1996
- Fresno City College AS, Fire Technology, 1990–1994
Professional Experience
- Senior Associate with AP Triton, August 2025-Present
- Interim Deputy Fire Chief with City of Redmond WA, July 2021–Present
- Interim Fire Chief with City of Piedmond CA, January 2021–June 2021
- Interim Fire Chief with City of Lincoln NE, July 2020–December 2020
- Interim Fire Chief with City of Rocklin CA, April 2020-June 2020
- Chief Executive Officer with M.E.D. Enterprises Inc., 2018 to Present
- Fire Chief with City of Lincoln NE, 2016- 2020
- Senior Consultant with Fitch & Associates, 2015-2022
- Fire Chief with City of Clovis CA, 2013-2016
- Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal with City of Fresno CA, 2006-2013
- Deputy Chief with City of Clovis, 2012-2013
Project Experience
- Clovis Fire Department, CA – Strategic Plan
- El Dorado Hills Fire Department, CA – Strategic Plan
- Encinitas, Del Mar & Solana Beach Fire Departments, CA – Multiple Projects
- Fowler Fire Department, CA – Consolidation Study and Facilited Contract for Service
- Lathrop-Manteca Fire District, CA – Fire Station Location Study
- Oxnard Fire Department, Cultural Change Plan
- Piedmont Fire Department, CA – Interim Fire Chief Contract, Strategic Plan
- Ripon Consolidated Fire District, CA – Strategic Plan
- Rocklin Fire Department, CA – Interim Fire Chief Contract, Strategic Plan, CRA/SOC
- Rodeo-Hercules Fire District, CA – Strategic Plan, Consolidation Study and Facilited Merger
- Roseville Fire Department, CA – Operational Analysis
- Santa Clara County FPD, CA – Multiple Projects
- Vista Fire Department, CA – Strategic Plan
- Vista Fire Protection District, CA – Strategic Plan
- Woodland Fire Department, CA – Strategic Plan
- Mountain View Fire & Rescue, CO – Strategic Plan
- Cape Coral Fire Department, FL – Strategic Plan
- Fort Myers Fire Department, FL – Strategic Plan
- North Port Fire Department, FL – Strategic Plan
- George Fire Department, LA – Strategic Plan
- Plain Township Fire Department, OH – Strategic Plan
- Prince George’s County Fire Department, MD – Strategic Plan
- Brooklyn Park Fire Department, MN – Strategic Plan
- Lincoln Fire & Rescue, NE – Multiple Projects
- Omaha Fire Department, NE – Strategic Plan
- Prince George County Fire & EMS, VA – Strategic Plan
- Camano Island Fire Department, WA – Strategic Plan
- King County Fire District 34, WA – Multiple Projects
- King County Fire District 45, WA – Facilitated Contract for Service
- North County Regional Fire Authority, WA – Strategic Plan
- Redmond Fire Department, WA – Multiple Projects
- Snohomish County Fire District 7, WA – Multiple Projects
- South Whidbey Island Fire & EMS, WA – Strategic Plan
- Vancouver Fire Department, WA – CRA/SOC