After an extensive selection process, Van Summers was selected as Fire Chief for the new Queen Creek Fire Department. Beginning Jan. 1, Town of Queen Creek residents will receive fire and emergency medical service coverage through the new Queen Creek Fire Department.
Regarding Summers’ selection, Town Manager John Kross said, “Van will be Queen Creek’s first fire chief and is highly respected within the fire service both within the metropolitan Phoenix area and the inner mountain west.”
Summers has 31 years experience in fire service, including 21 years in management positions at the chief officer level. He most recently served as the Fire Chief for West Valley City, Utah, where he managed the growth of the department and the construction of several new fire stations including integration of ambulance services in the community.
He has also served for the City of Phoenix Fire Department as a Deputy Chief, Division Chief, Captain and Battalion Chief. Summers received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Arizona State University and is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fire Service Instructors, Fire Safety Officers and National Fire Protection Association.
“I am looking forward to building a fire department from the beginning. Many things have been done already that have given us a great start in building the fire department in Queen Creek,“ Summers said. “I look forward to working with the Queen Creek emergency services staff to provide the highest level of fire and emergency medical services to this community.”