Division Chief Alan Bates brings over 20 years of public safety experience and a strong commitment to community fire prevention to the Benicia Fire Safe Council. A lifelong Benicia resident, Alan began his career with the Benicia Fire Department in 2003 as a Firefighter Paramedic. His deep operational knowledge, hands-on emergency experience, and dedication to public service have guided his rise through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to Division Chief in 2024.

In his current role, Chief Bates oversees Firefighter Paramedic Operations and Fire Prevention for the City of Benicia. He plays a critical role in shaping policies that enhance public safety, enforce defensible space guidelines, and support home hardening strategies across the community. As a liaison to the Fire Safe Council, he provides essential insight into fire behavior, emergency response coordination, and the operational realities of wildfire risk in a growing wildland-urban interface environment.

Chief Bates to advise, educate, and work closely with Council members to implement fire-safe strategies, conduct risk assessments, and lead public outreach and education campaigns. His strong leadership, technical knowledge, and deep ties to the community make him a trusted partner in advancing Benicia’s fire safety and emergency preparedness goals.