New San Mateo Consolidated Fire Chief Named Former Deputy Fire Chief Kent Thrasher to Oversee Department

San Mateo, CA — Kent Thrasher, a trusted leader with more than three decades of experience in the fire service profession, has been named as Chief of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department.

The SMC Fire Department Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Kent to the role of fire chief on Jan. 12, 2022. Prior to his appointment, Kent has been the Interim Fire Chief since May 2021 and was previously serving as Deputy Fire Chief.  

Chief Thrasher will continue to lead the fire department into its fourth year. San Mateo Consolidated Fire commenced operations on January 13, 2019 and was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that represents the merger of departments in the cities of San Mateo, Foster City and Belmont. The department – comprised of nine stations and 154 full‐time employees – has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities.

“From our Fire Board to our newest recruit, San Mateo Consolidated Fire has incredible talent throughout every level of the organization. I’ve been mentored in the art of leadership and the science of management by many that have come before me. I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from each of them, and I intend to carry on the legacy of all those that have inspired me. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to assume the permanent role as Fire Chief in such a strong and capable fire department. Moving into the Fire Chief position in an organization that has been my family for the last couple decades is a true honor, and extremely humbling,” Thrasher said. “All of us at SMC Fire have worked diligently the past several years to get our young department to where it is today, and I’m excited to embrace the challenges and opportunities the next few years will bring as we continue to evolve.”

Kent Thrasher began his professional career in the fire service in Florida in 1992 with what is now Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. He became a Paramedic and was a member of the Dive Rescue Team in 1994. In 1996, Kent relocated to California where he worked as a Paid Call Firefighter in Santa Cruz and as a Paramedic for American Medical Response. He was hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1997 with Daly City Fire Department and lateraled to South County Fire (Belmont/San Carlos) in 1999. In Daly City and South County Fire, he was an instructor, mentor, and an active member of the committees responsible for implementation of the countywide, engine‐based, Paramedic Program. He became a HAZMAT Specialist and joined the San Mateo County HAZMAT Team in 2000.  In 2008, Kent was promoted to the position of Fire Captain. In 2014, Kent was promoted to Administrative Battalion Chief, where he provided management oversite to all aspects of the Belmont Fire Protection District. As Battalion Chief and Command Staff member, Kent was involved in the creation of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department and participated in the merger of the three fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

Kent holds an A.S. Degree in EMS Management, and he is currently working towards a B.S. in Fire Administration. Throughout his 30 years in the fire service, Kent has continued his education and training through numerous courses related to fire service management and public administration. His certifications include California Certification as a Company officer, Chief Officer and HAZMAT Specialist. He also participates in multiple Department, City, County and Regional committees.

“Kent has proven himself as a veteran of the organization and his leadership strengthens our department. He has worked hard to develop the trust of our firefighters and the confidence of the board. Our residents and the region will be well served with Fire Chief Kent Thrasher at the helm of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department,” said Joe Goethals, Chair of the Fire Board Chair and a City of San Mateo Council Member.