Yuma Fire Department promotes veteran Richard Root to deputy chief

The Yuma Fire Department elevated Richard Root to deputy fire chief, putting a veteran with more than 27 years in the department into a post that helps shape how Yuma responds when emergencies hit hardest.

Root was already serving as interim deputy fire chief, so the promotion gave the department continuity at a time when fire protection, medical response and rescue work remain central to daily life in Yuma. He has worked in multiple roles over the years, including battalion chief and division chief, giving him a long view of the department’s culture, staffing needs and operational demands.

That experience matters in a city where the fire department is responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, technical rescue and community risk reduction. The City of Yuma says the department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and Root’s new role places him close to the decisions that influence how quickly crews can be deployed and how well the department can sustain service across the city.

The promotion also comes as Yuma and Yuma County continue to grow. The city’s population estimate reached 103,559 on July 1, 2024, while Yuma County’s population climbed to 217,978 in 2024. YFD previously reported seven open firefighter positions during a 2023 recruitment push tied to that growth, underscoring the staffing pressures that can follow a larger service area and heavier call volume.

Fire service readiness carries added weight in Yuma’s climate. Summer brings the hottest stretch of the year, with July typically the warmest month, raising the stakes for brush fires, vehicle fires, medical calls and other heat-related emergencies. In a city built around rapid response, the deputy chief role influences how the department plans for those seasonal demands and how it keeps crews prepared.

Root said the position was a privilege after 27 years of service and said he intends to focus on supporting firefighters, delivering reliable and high-quality service, strengthening staffing, improving professional development and planning for future growth. That focus aligns with how the department measures itself, since YFD administration compiles statistics on productivity, response times and other quality indicators.

The change also fits into a broader leadership transition. Fire Chief Dustin Fields announced his retirement effective September 5, 2025, after more than 30 years of service. John Louser later was appointed fire chief in December 2025, bringing more than 25 years of fire service experience, including more than 22 years with YFD. With Root now in the deputy chief post, the department has kept experienced leadership in place as Yuma’s fire protection system continues to carry the daily burden of a growing city and county.