Mountain View, Calif. — Mountain View Fire Chief Juan F. Diaz has announced his intentions to retire at the end of this year after a 40-year career in the fire services, including nearly 12 years with the City of Mountain View Fire Department. Chief Diaz has served as fire chief since 2015. His official retirement date is set for Dec. 30, 2025.
“Chief Diaz is a deeply committed public servant who has made our community safer,” said City Manager Kimbra McCarthy. “Over nearly 12 years, he has made a tremendous difference within the fire department and the entire City organization, and has been a critical member of our executive team. He transformed MFVD into a diverse, modern, and community-centered organization. Under his steady leadership, Chief Diaz persevered through many emergency situations, including a pandemic, and led the next generation of emergency responders to be ready for the Mountain View of tomorrow. Chief Diaz is leaving behind a lasting impact.”
“Our mission was never just about responding to emergencies,” said Chief Diaz. “It was about building a fire department that reflects and serves our community with pride, compassion, and excellence. I have enjoyed working closely with City Manager McCarthy and our effective executive team in building a more resilient organization. I am also thankful for our City Council, which makes our community’s safety a priority. I leave knowing the City of Mountain View Fire Department is stronger, more diverse, and ready to face any emergency in a more robust way than ever before, and in the very capable hands of Deputy Fire Chief Brian Jones who has been by my side working hard over the last 10 years.”
Chief Diaz began his fire service journey in 1985 at just 19 years old, volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT for the City of Santa Clara Fire Department while attending the Mission College Fire Science program and working at night as a janitor. Four years later, he was hired by the San José Fire Department, where he would dedicate 25 years of service, rising through the ranks to Deputy Fire Chief. In 2014, Chief Diaz joined MVFD as Deputy Chief of Operations. Within a year, he was promoted to Fire Chief.
Under Chief Diaz’s tenure, MVFD achieved three consecutive Insurance Services Office Class 1 Ratings, the only one in Santa Clara County; upgraded emergency medical services to full ALS capability in all fire companies; built a Type I Urban Search and Rescue Team; enhanced hazardous materials response capabilities to a Type II; and significantly expanded fire prevention public education programs.
On the emergency response front, Chief Diaz established a robust Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and emergency sustainability programs for Mountain View neighborhoods through the Office of Emergency Services, which included setting up seven portable Emergency Operations Center buildings throughout Mountain View. He expanded CERT training to over 1,000 community members and enhanced disaster readiness citywide by providing equipment and training, and collaborating with residents.
As the City of Mountain View’s 19th fire chief, he championed innovation and preparedness, including securing modern fire apparatus and specialized equipment such as a new fleet of engines and trucks, a new Type 6 wildland engine, and the fire department’s first ALS transport ambulance. He established the MVFD California Joint Apprenticeship Program, a joint labor-management committee formed for the recruitment of firefighters, and guided the creation of MVFD’s first Honor Guard, the Tactical Paramedic program embedded with MVPD SWAT (first and only one of its kind in Santa Clara County), and a swift water rescue team. Under Chief Diaz’s leadership, MVFD supported regional mutual aid and the creation of the Santa Clara County Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Throughout his career, Chief Diaz has been a champion for building diverse, inclusive leadership teams and creating pathways for historically underrepresented groups in the fire service. As recognized in a 2020 Santa Clara County Grand Jury Report, MVFD has made noteworthy progress in increasing gender diversity within the department. Chief Diaz takes pride in promoting the organization’s first female battalion chief, first female fire marshal, and first Chinese American battalion chief, and has always remained committed to building workplaces where everyone can thrive.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Diaz led partnerships with County of Santa Clara health officials to provide free testing and vaccinations for first responders, teachers, and vulnerable residents. His leadership ensured both the safety of personnel and the well-being of the broader community by providing mobile vaccinations throughout Mountain View and in San Jose.
Beyond operational improvements, Chief Diaz fostered a strong organizational culture within the fire department. In 2015, he introduced the “Mountain View Way” values guide, created a formal career development plan, launched an annual awards and recognition program, and expanded peer support and cancer screening programs to protect the health and wellness of fire personnel.
In 2024, he led the celebration of the MVFD’s 150th Anniversary with a parade attended by more than 10,000 residents.
Chief Diaz earned an associate’s and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science and a master’s degree in leadership with an emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He is a certified Chief Officer under the California State Fire Marshal’s Office and holds numerous specialized certifications.
In addition, Chief Diaz served as President of the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Association, liaison to County Fire Chiefs Operation Section group, represented Santa Clara County at the State Homeland Security Program, and contributed to regional initiatives in radio interoperability and mutual aid coordination.
City Manager McCarthy is promoting Brian Jones, who currently serves as Mountain View’s deputy fire chief, to serve as Mountain View’s 20th fire chief. View the City’s news release for more information.
Photo of Fire Chief Juan Diaz
View this release in Spanish or Chinese.
Editor’s Note: Availability for media interviews in person or via Zoom for both Chief Diaz and Incoming Chief Jones is between 11:00 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Contact Fire Department PIO Robert Maitland at 650-903-6825 or Robert.Maitland@mountainview.gov to schedule a time.
About Fire Chief Juan F. Diaz
In 1980, at the age of 15, Chief Diaz arrived in Key West, Florida, with his parents and two sisters as one of 120,000 refugees from Cuba during the “Mariel Boat Lift.” He spoke no English and carried little more than determination and hope. Over the next four decades, through resilience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to service, Chief Diaz built a distinguished career in the California Fire Service, culminating in more than ten years as Fire Chief of the City of Mountain View Fire Department.
About the City of Mountain View
Located between the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay, Mountain View is a diverse community with an estimated population of 86,513. Mountain View covers just over 12 square miles, featuring over 1,000 acres of park and wildlife areas including the 750-acre wildlife and recreation area called Shoreline at Mountain View. In the heart of Silicon Valley, Mountain View is home to a vibrant downtown and headquarters to many nationally and internationally known corporations including Google, Intuit and NASA’s Ames Research Center. For more information, visit MountainView.gov.
