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Executive & Command Staff

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Deputy Chief Rick Ballard Rick Ballard

Deputy Chief of Operations

Chief Ballard comes to us having served in the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for 35 years.  He is looking forward to working closely with the community to ensure that their needs are met as challenges arise.

He was born and raised in Chula Vista, where he still resides with his wife.  In his spare time Chief Ballard enjoys sports and travel.

  

Pete Mercado

Deputy Chief of Administration

Chief Mercado comes to us with 30 years of experience including the United States Forest Service (USFS), Fire Chief at the City of Calexico and Office of Emergency Services (OES) Regional Assistant Chief.

His hometown is Calexico and he is excited to contribute to the CVFD while collaborating with co-workers and City partners.

  

Ray Smith

Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Hired in 2001, Chief Smith rose to the rank of Deputy Chief after having worked at every rank in the Department, most recently Battalion Chief.  He has also worked for Pierce County (WA) and the Seattle Fire Department prior to being hired in Chula Vista.

Chief Smith lives in North County San Diego and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children in his spare time.

 

  

Justin Gipson

Division Chief of Fire Prevention

Mr. Gipson joined the City of Chula Vista in 1999 as a Fire Inspector / Investigator. During his 20+ years of experience at the City, he has held positions of Fire Inspector / Investigator II, Fire Marshal, Deputy Chief, and Division Chief.  As the Director of Fire Prevention Services he is responsible for the management of Fire Safety Engineering, Fire Code Inspection, and Fire Origin and Cause Investigation programs. 
 
Outside of work, Mr. Gipson enjoys traveling. He and his wife have a specific goal of seeing the San Francisco 49ers play in every away NFL stadium. He is also a foodie and enjoys visiting new restaurants when they open in San Diego.

Emergency Services Manager Marlon King

Marlon King

Emergency Services Coordinator

Mr. King joined the City of Chula Vista in 2016 as the Emergency Services Coordinator with 15+ years experience in the field, tasked with leading the City’s Emergency Management Program. This program is responsible for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the city during any emergency.

A native Chula Vistan, Mr. King coaches boys basketball at Eastlake High School and serves on the board of the Chula Vista Fire Fighter’s Foundation. In his spare time Mr. King enjoys spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, and playing basketball.