Staff Reports | Community Updates
From emergency response to long‑range planning, the Scottsdale Fire Department’s leadership team is supported by nearly a century of combined experience.
The department has appointed three new assistant fire chiefs to join current Assistant Fire Chief Clint Steeves, forming an expanded executive team, according to a press release. Assistant Chiefs Steeves, Robert Rucker, Aren Hansen and Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon bring operational, prevention and administrative experience across multiple divisions.
“This is an exceptional group of leaders who understand this department at every level,” Fire Chief Tom Shannon said. “They have led hrough complex incidents, major special events and organizational growth. Their experience ensures we remain operationally strong, fiscally responsible and focused on reducing risk in our community.”
City Manager Greg Caton said the appointments reflect the city’s depth of leadership and commitment to public safety.
“This leadership team brings nearly 100 years of combined experience across operations, prevention, wildland response, special events, finance and workforce development,” Mr. Caton said. “Their steady leadership will help guide the department forward while continuing to deliver the high level of service our community expects.”
Collectively, the assistant chiefs have led operations, special operations, wildland coordination, prevention and code enforcement, event planning, recruitment and training, logistics, budgeting and capital planning. As Scottsdale continues to grow and host major events, that experience supports both daily emergency response and long‑term planning.
“Our community expects excellence,” Mr. Shannon said. “That requires leaders who understand both emergency operations and the systems that support them. This team brings that balance.”
Clint Steeves
Assistant Fire Chief Clint Steeves has nearly three decades of fire service experience. He began his career in 1996 with Rural Metro Fire Department and joined Scottsdale in 2005. He has served as a captain and paramedic, battalion chief, deputy chief of special operations and shift commander, and has led both Operations and Prevention.
Mr. Steeves holds an associate degree in fire science and emergency medicine from Phoenix College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from South University. He previously served as hazardous materials regional coordinator for the Phoenix Valley Regional System and on the executive board of the Scottsdale Firefighters Association.
Robert Rucker
Assistant Fire Chief Robert Rucker has more than 37 years of fire service experience, including 14 years as a chief officer with Scottsdale. His leadership roles include emergency operations, training and development, logistics, information technology, fleet and facilities management and capital procurement. As wildland fire program coordinator, he strengthened partnerships with federal and state agencies.
In resource management, Mr. Rucker oversaw a $6 million equipment and facilities budget and worked to improve procurement processes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency services administration from Northern Arizona University and an associate degree in fire science from Scottsdale Community College.
Aren Hansen
Assistant Fire Chief Aren Hansen brings more than 25 years of experience and serves as deputy chief. He began as a seasonal wildland firefighter in 1997 and joined Scottsdale in 2005 as an engineer before rising to captain, battalion chief and deputy chief. Mr. Hansen has supported labor‑management relations and holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service management and labor management relations from Ottawa University, along with master’s‑level coursework in business administration.
Kristi Gagnon
Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon has nearly two decades of experience in fire and life safety and community risk reduction. She joined Scottsdale in 2019 as a fire inspector and investigator and was promoted to fire marshal in 2022. Ms. Gagnon oversees hazard and risk reduction efforts for major events including the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett‑Jackson and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
She is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and earned the Chief Fire Officer designation in 2025.
Chief Shannon said the combined experience within the assistant chief ranks provides continuity and prepares the department for future needs.
“These leaders understand our history and are focused on innovation, mentorship and preparing the next generation,” he said. “Their leadership ensures the Scottsdale Fire Department remains prepared, resilient and ready to serve a growing community.”
