Harry Muns has been named Fire Chief for the Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) replacing retired Chief Jim Geering. Muns has been with CVFD since 1996 and has filled all operational positions throughout his career. He oversees a busy Fire Department that responds to more than 23,000 calls for service per year out of ten fire stations throughout the 52 square miles of the City.
Chief Muns was first introduced to the fire service as a Fire Explorer in 1991 and then became a seasonal firefighter with the California Department of Forestry in 1995. In 1996, he was hired by CVFD where he most recently held the position of Deputy Fire Chief in charge of operations. He has held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Training Captain and Battalion Chief. In addition, Muns has been active with the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue National Response System since 1997. Positions with the national system include Rescue Specialist, Rescue Squad Officer, Rescue Team Manager, and a Task Force Leader to
assignments such as hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters throughout the country.
“Fire Chief Harry Muns is the ideal choice to continue the progress we’ve made to advance fire services, implement innovations and meet the needs of our community,” said Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “He has an impressive history with our Fire Department and we look forward to his continued leadership.” Some significant accomplishments at CVFD by Chief Muns include:
Led grant writing team to acquire $6 million in Federal and State grant funds during the last five years.
Appointed to the San Diego Office of Homeland Security as the Regional Public Safety Urban Area Security Initiative Training Manager from 2012 to 2014.
Performed fire station location optimization study resulting in relocation of two stations.
Co-authored the City of Chula Vista Public Safety Staffing Study/Plan as the Fire Department representative which led to the passing of Measure A, a half-cent sales tax generating $20 million to the City.
Led Squad Program Development Team which deployed peak hour emergency response unit staffed with two fire fighters. This unit has increased response time performance by 20% in under-served areas of the City at half the cost of a traditional fire department response company.
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity given to me to lead the outstanding men and women of the Chula Vista Fire Department,” said Muns. “We have a busy year ahead with the replacement of two fire stations plus our upcoming Ambulance Transport Services. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to improve the service we provide to
Chula Vista.”
Muns is the 13th Fire Chief appointed in the City of Chula Vista. The Department celebrates 100 years of service to the community in 2021.
