Firefighter Randy Shafer has been appointed fire chief of the Dixon Fire Department (DFD), marking a new chapter for a department where he has spent more than two decades serving in a variety of leadership and operational roles. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Firefighter Randy Shafer has been appointed fire chief of the Dixon Fire Department (DFD), marking a new chapter for a department where he has spent more than two decades serving in a variety of leadership and operational roles.

Shafer assumed the position earlier in 2026 after serving as acting fire chief for approximately one year. With more than 20 years in the department, he has advanced through the ranks, serving as firefighter-paramedic, engineer, fire captain, battalion chief and deputy fire chief.

His responsibilities throughout his career have included department operations, incident command and strategic planning efforts designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and community safety. He has also played a role in improving communications, supporting department resilience and overseeing areas such as training, resource allocation, fleet management and facilities maintenance.

For Shafer, the promotion represents both a professional milestone and a personal honor.

“It's an opportunity to move our department into the future and leave the department better than I found it,” said Shafer. “Over the last 20 years, we've made a lot of progress, and now it's my opportunity to take it to the next level.”

He added that his long tenure in Dixon has created strong ties to the community.

“Personally, it's an honor to lead this department,” said Shafer. “The community is close-knit. It's like a family to me.”

Shafer's career in the fire service began while he was still in high school as a junior firefighter with the Vacaville Fire Protection District. After attending EMT school, he served as a reserve firefighter in Fairfield before being hired as a firefighter-paramedic. He later rose through the ranks at the Dixon Fire Department, eventually serving as acting fire chief from March 2025 until February 2026 before receiving the permanent appointment.

He credited previous department leaders with helping prepare him for greater responsibilities.

“Prior leadership was a good example and really prepared people for the next level of their career, as well as the constant challenge that comes with the leadership role,” said Shafer.

Among his immediate priorities as fire chief are beginning construction of Fire Station 82, filling staffing vacancies and helping develop a long-range master plan for the department. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Among his immediate priorities as fire chief are beginning construction of Fire Station 82, filling staffing vacancies and helping develop a long-range master plan for the department.

“Being a part of the master plan for the next 20 years of DFD will lay the groundwork for what we need to be successful and provide the support we need to the city,” he said.

Shafer said another goal is developing future leaders within the department and ensuring personnel are prepared for advancement opportunities.

Community engagement will also remain a focus during his tenure.

“Community engagement is really about telling our story to the community and hearing their needs from a public safety perspective,” said Shafer.

As wildfire season approaches, the department is conducting annual training and working to ensure personnel are fully prepared for emergency response needs throughout the region.

Shafer also plans to expand firefighter wellness initiatives, including strengthening peer support programs and promoting work-life balance for department personnel. He said fostering a culture where firefighters feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges is an important part of those efforts.

Looking ahead, Shafer said he is eager to continue serving the community in his new role.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the fire chief position,” he said. “I look forward to working with city management, City Council and residents to support a better Dixon.”

Under Shafer's leadership, the department will continue focusing on emergency preparedness, public safety and long-term planning to meet the needs of the growing community.