After four decades of service in fire departments throughout Santa Clara County, Mountain View Fire Chief Juan F. Diaz has announced his retirement, effective December 30. Chief Diaz has spent nearly 12 years with Mountain View Fire Department (MVFD), stepping into the role of fire chief in 2015. His career, marked by significant advancements and community-centered initiatives, positions him as a transformative figure in local fire services.
City Manager Kimbra McCarthy, reflecting on Diaz's tenure, highlighted his contributions to public safety and organizational excellence, according to a city news release. "Chief Diaz is a deeply committed public servant who has made our community safer," McCarthy said.
Under Diaz, the MVFD achieved notable milestones such as three consecutive Insurance Services Office Class 1 Ratings and the expansion of its emergency medical services. "Our mission was never just about responding to emergencies," Chief Diaz said in a statement obtained by the city's news release. "It was about building a fire department that reflects and serves our community with pride, compassion, and excellence."
Throughout his career, Diaz's commitment to diversity and inclusion within the fire service became evident as he promoted the department's first female battalion chief, first female fire marshal, and first Chinese American battalion chief. He has always remained committed to building workplaces where everyone can thrive, including making noteworthy progress in gender diversity recognized by a 2020 Santa Clara County Grand Jury Report. Among his numerous advancements, Diaz established the Mountain View's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), enhancing the city's disaster readiness and directly engaging with over 1,000 community members.
With a legacy of innovation and leadership, Diaz leaves MVFD on a strong foundation for future challenges. Following his departure, City Manager McCarthy is set to promote Deputy Fire Chief Brian Jones as Mountain View’s 20th fire chief.
