Vancouver has a new fire chief. City Manager Lon Pluckhahn named John L. Drake II to lead the Vancouver Fire Department following a nationwide search. Drake began his role on Dec. 29, 2025.
Drake succeeds Fire Chief Brennan Blue, who retired earlier in 2025 after 38 years with the department. The city conducted a national search before selecting Drake as Blue's replacement.
The hire was announced Dec. 24, 2025, through the city's newsroom.