Bend Fire & Rescue welcomes Drew Whyte as deputy chief and fire marshal

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Drew Whyte has been named the new deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal for Bend Fire & Rescue. He started his new assignment in February, bringing 29 years of fire service experience to the department. He will lead the Fire Prevention Division and oversee community risk reduction efforts for the city.

Whyte's extensive career includes service with the Austin Fire Department, the San José Fire Department and most recently, the City of Berkeley Fire Department. His appointment aims to strengthen Bend's fire prevention programs and enhance public safety within the growing community.

Whyte began his fire service career in 1998 as a firefighter/EMT with the Austin Fire Department in Texas. In 2001, he joined the San José Fire Department in California, where he held several roles including firefighter/paramedic, fire inspector, acting assistant fire marshal and arson investigator.

After retiring from San José Fire in 2024, Whyte served as assistant fire chief and fire marshal for the City of Berkeley Fire Department in California. He holds a Master of Science in forensic science from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in communications from Vermont State University.

As Bend Fire & Rescue's deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal, Whyte will lead the Fire Prevention Division and manage community risk reduction initiatives such as code enforcement, plan review, public education and fire investigations. He also supports major incident operations and can serve as acting fire chief when needed. "I believe wholeheartedly that having a robust fire prevention program can save lives and my top priority in this role is maintaining the expectation that fire code is followed so Bend's residents, visitors, businesses and firefighters are safe," Whyte said.

Bend Fire Chief Todd Riley praised Whyte's qualifications. "Chief Whyte brings exceptional leadership and deep fire prevention expertise to our organization," Riley said. "His experience in complex urban environments and commitment to community risk reduction will strengthen our Prevention Division and enhance the safety and resilience of Bend's growing community."

Whyte has purchased a home in Bend and is working to relocate his family in time to experience a Central Oregon summer.