Todd Riley chosen as Bend’s next fire chief

The city of Bend has selected Bend Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Todd Riley as Bend’s next fire chief. Riley will serve as Bend’s sixth fire chief in its 100-year history, replacing Chief Larry Langston, who will retire later this year.

Riley has served more than 20 years in the fire service, 16 of them at Bend Fire and Rescue.

Riley became a full-time firefighter with Bend Fire and Rescue on Oct. 7, 2002, after previously serving as a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Sacramento.

” He quickly began rising the ranks due to his commitment to the fire service, the community and his natural leadership abilities, ” the city’s announcement said.

On June 21, 2006, Riley was promoted to fire engineer, and on Sept. 10, 2013, earned the position of fire captain. By April 1, 2016, he achieved the rank of battalion chief and in 2018 completed the necessary components of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

“Battalion Chief Riley has the skills, heart and tenacity that will provide strong leadership,” said City Manager Eric King. “Most importantly, he has a fierce commitment to the people we’re sworn to serve.”

“It is an honor to be selected to serve our community in this new role,” Riley said. “I am excited to build on the innovative work started by Chief Langston and to continue to improve the service we provide our growing community.”

Langston will continue in his role as fire chief until his planned retirement date of Oct. 11.