McReynolds named NCFPD Fire Chief

FALLBROOK – Keith McReynolds has been selected to serve as Fire Chief for the North County Fire Protection District when current NCFPD Fire Chief Stephen Abbott retires at the end of July. The NCFPD Board of Directors held a special meeting May 3 which included the unanimous decision to name McReynolds as Abbott's successor.

McReynolds joined the NCFPD in 1990 as a Fire Explorer Scout. Throughout his career at North County Fire, McReynolds has served as a Reserve/Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Shift Battalion Chief, Administrative Battalion Chief, and Division Chief.

He holds an associate degree in Fire Science, a bachelor's in Fire Science Administration, and will graduate in June with a master's degree in Organizational Leadership/Emergency Management Leadership. He is a student of the California Executive Fire Officers Program and has been accepted into the 2021 Fire Service Executive Development Institute through the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Abbott has been the NCFPD Fire Chief since 2015. "We are excited to have the caliber and depth of candidates to promote from within the organization, and I'm looking forward to working with him and his new leadership team through the transition period and handing the reins to him at the end of July," Abbott said.

McReynolds is excited for the future of the District saying, "as Fire Chief I will lead the men and women of this outstanding organization as we strive to meet our communities' expectations of excellence in emergency services and public safety. I look forward to working in partnership with our personnel, our Board of Directors, and the growing communities we serve."

As the community begins to transition out of the pandemic, McReynolds had this to say, "While there are many projects that I am excited to start once becoming Fire Chief, I am especially looking forward to safely getting back out into our community, reopening our fire stations to the public, and ensuring our community members are well-informed and prepared for wildfire."

McReynolds lives in Fallbrook with his wife of 27 years and two sons, both graduates of Fallbrook High School. McReynolds is a member of the Rotary Club of Bonsall and will serve as club president beginning July 1.

Submitted by North County Fire Protection District.