The City of Tracy has named Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Chief Randall Bradley as its new fire chief to head its 65-staff, seven station department effective Dec. 1.

Bradley, 53, who was appointed to lead Stanislaus Consolidated in April of last year, is a 35-year veteran of firefighting, has extensive experience in fire administration, and was briefly chief in Modesto after four years as chief of the Moraga-Orinda Fire District in Contra Costa County. He also was chief of the Lawrence Livermore Fire Department for six years and deputy chief of the Alameda County Fire Department for two years.

Bradley holds a master’s degree in public administration from University of Southern California and two bachelor’s degrees from University of San Francisco.

“This was a real opportunity for me, I was real honored I was selected,” said Bradley, noting that he started his career in the City of Tracy more than 30 years ago. “It lined up and seemed to be a good move.”

Bradley said he struggled with the decision to change departments, enjoying his time with Stanislaus Consolidated and the personnel he had working for him.

A five month national recruitment was conducted by the City of Tracy and Bradley was selected from among 35 candidates.

“Chief Bradley is versed in every facet of fire operations and possesses the skills and abilities to lead the department well into the future,” stated Tracy City Manager, Troy Brown in a press release. “We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber becoming part of the Tracy community.”

While serving as chief with Stanislaus Consolidated, Bradley developed a governance model that integrated the Oakdale Fire Department and Oakdale Rural Fire Protection District into the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District, which reduced operational costs by $600,000 and improved service levels.

Bradley said Tracy is on the verge of consolidation and felt his experience in that area was beneficial to the selection.

Earlier this year, Bradley was successful in helping the district obtain a $477,123 SAFER, or Supporting the Acceptance of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, grant which increased fire protection staffing.