Clark County has officially inaugurated Billy Samuels as the new Fire Chief of the Clark County Fire Department (CCFD), a decision confirmed by the County Commission. With over two decades of service under his belt, Samuels steps up to fill the role left vacant by the retirement of former Chief John Steinbeck. His ascent through the ranks of the CCFD and recent tenure as Deputy Chief over the Office of Emergency Management marks him as a veteran poised to quickly adapt and to effectively lead. "Fire Chief Billy Samuels has been a public servant for more than two decades and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the fire service mission," Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom said in a statement obtained by Clark County's official news release.
An embodiment of local success, Samuels' roots are planted firmly within the community he's now tasked to protect more than ever. His career began as a Clark County firefighter in 2001, and his progression through the ranks is both a testament to his dedication and a reflection of his expertise. He holds a wealth of experience, having not only fought fires but also served as an engineer, a paramedic, and a captain before ascending to the position of battalion chief. His move to lead the Office of Emergency Management in 2020 ensured key roles during pivotal events, and he has been instrumental in effectively managing to coordinating responses to natural disasters.
Expressing his dedication to the role, Samuels said, "The men and women that serve in our fire department are incredible, and I am truly honored by this opportunity," Billy Samuels told Clark County. "I look forward to working together with all of our community partners as CCFD continues to provide exceptional service to our community." His academic background complements his extensive on-the-ground experience, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management.
The enormity of the task ahead for Chief Samuels is underscored by the CCFD's significant role as the largest fire department in Nevada; they fielded 146,626 service calls in just 2023 alone. With 32 full-time and 10 volunteer stations under its wing, the department is geared up not just to protect the Las Vegas Valley but also to swiftly respond to emergencies in resort locales and oversee safety procedures for the nation's 5th-busiest airport.
