Paul Swanson sworn in as new City of Davis fire chief

Swanson’s promotion follows the retirement of outgoing Fire Chief Joe Tenney

By MADELYN SEVIGNY — city@theaggie.org

On Feb. 17, Paul Swanson was sworn in by the Davis City Council as the City of Davis’ new fire chief.

Before the ceremony began, Davis Mayor Donna Neville invited outgoing Fire Chief Joe Tenney up to the podium to recognize the work he has done for the Davis Fire Department and to thank him for his 26 years of service to the City of Davis.

Tenney thanked the city council and the community for their support during his 38 total years of service to the city, and noted what he felt was special about being a firefighter.

“There really [aren’t] too many jobs like the firefighter, where they live together, spend a lot of time together,” Tenney said. “They go on the most difficult calls and they go on the most rewarding calls as they help other people. [...] It's not about us, it's about how we serve those in the community.”

Tenney joined the Davis Fire Department in 2000 and was promoted to chief in 2019. During his time as fire chief, Tenney responded to multiple major incidents across California, including the 2020 Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (LNU) Complex fires in Yolo and Solano counties and the 2021 Caldor Fire.

Later in the meeting, Swanson was brought up to the podium to be sworn in, with his son, Evan Swanson, performing the ceremony.

Swanson was appointed Fire Chief by City Manager Daryel Dunston, who explained why he chose Swanson to take over. 

“I’ve worked closely with [Swanson] since arriving in Davis, and, truth be told, he was ready to be a fire chief 10 years ago,” Dunston said in a City of Davis press release. “For [Swanson] to place our community and this department above his professional goals is not only admirable — it is the type of person that I want leading the Davis Fire Department into the next generation.”

Swanson has spent his entire service career within the Davis Fire Department. He began as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 and became full-time in 1996. He was promoted to captain in 2007 and division chief in 2012, according to the City of Davis website.

Swanson grew up in Davis and noted how his time spent in the community will assist him in his new role.

“Knowing where everything is here, having experienced a lot, having family here and friends, and a lot of connections to people in town I think definitely helps,” Swanson said. “Especially with planning for things and having a lot of experience dealing with emergencies actually in town helps with the next one that happens.”

Bob Dunning, a Davis journalist, expressed support for Swanson being chosen for the fire chief position in his column on Substack.

“Paul Swanson grew up in Davis, went to Davis schools and is raising his family here,” Dunning wrote in his column. “He knows the people of our unique and sometimes crazy town and understands where Davis has been and how it has evolved over the years. His knowledge of Davis, along with his intellect, his kindness, his concern for the safety of every Davis resident and his hands-on approach to everything that comes his way, not to mention his firefighting skills, will serve us well.”

Swanson noted his gratitude for the community’s support at his swearing in ceremony.

“I had my family there and a lot of support,” Swanson said. “My son was able to do the swearing in, which was a neat experience. [...] So just having a lot of family but also community support meant a lot to me.”

Swanson also spoke about his eagerness to take on the new role and his passion for serving the City of Davis.

“[I am] excited about the new role and everything that's gonna come," Swanson said. “I love Davis. I've been here all my life, and can't wait to serve in this new capacity.”

Written By: Madelyn Sevigny — city@theaggie.org