Clovis names deputy Jason Ralls as next fire chief

Clovis has chosen deputy fire chief Jason Ralls to lead one of its most visible public-safety departments, handing the job to a veteran who has spent nearly 30 years inside the organization. If the City Council confirms the appointment June 15, Ralls will replace Chris Ekk when Ekk retires July 31, closing a short transition window for a department that covers fire response, emergency medical aid and major incident management across the city.

Ralls joined the Clovis Fire Department in October 1996 and, the city said, has served in every role within the department. City Manager Andy Haussler said Ralls’ experience on critical incidents across the state and his long tenure make him a strong fit, while Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua said Ralls has earned the confidence of city leadership. Ekk also backed the move, saying he is excited for Ralls and believes the department is in excellent hands.

The appointment keeps the chief’s office in the hands of an insider at a time when the department is carrying a broad workload. Ralls will oversee 83 sworn firefighters and 8 support staff and manage a $31.5 million budget. The department operates on a three-shift schedule across five fire stations, and its responsibilities include fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials spill and release mitigation, emergency medical services, life safety and fire code enforcement, and emergency preparedness. Clovis also maintains a 12-person hazardous materials response team, a specialized unit that underscores how much of the department’s work extends beyond house fires.

The move also comes as Clovis continues to grow. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city’s population at 129,347 on July 1, 2025, up from 120,124 in the 2020 Census. That growth raises the stakes for station coverage, mutual aid, emergency response times and the strain of development-driven demand on crews already operating around the clock. The city’s decision suggests continuity rather than a sharp break, with a chief who already knows the department’s staffing patterns, call volumes and operational limits.

Ralls’ background pairs field experience with formal education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and managerial economics from UC Davis and a master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. The city said he has worked on critical incidents across California and holds numerous certifications and credentials, adding another layer of continuity as Clovis turns the page from Ekk, who became chief in October 2023 after serving as deputy chief and interim chief.