City of Atascadero selects new fire chief
Pending council approval, he will assume the role on Sept. 19
– The City of Atascadero has appointed David J. Van Son as its next fire chief, following an internal recruitment process to succeed Fire Chief Casey Bryson.
City Manager James R. Lewis selected Van Son, who currently serves as battalion chief, to lead the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services after Bryson retires on Sept. 18. Bryson will retire after more than 26 years of service to the community, including serving as fire chief since 2017.
The Atascadero City Council will consider Van Son’s appointment and employment agreement at its July 14 meeting. Pending council approval, he will assume the role on Sept. 19.
“Chief Van Son has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication throughout his career,” Lewis said. “His commitment to public safety, his collaborative leadership style, his demonstrated integrity and calm and humble demeanor, and the relationships he has built within our community, make him the right person to lead the department into its next chapter. We are fortunate to have such a qualified leader already serving the City of Atascadero.”
Van Son brings 37 years of fire service experience to the position. He began his career with the Santa Barbara County Hot Shot Crew, where he worked three fire seasons before joining the United States Air Force. He served three years as a firefighter and senior airman before being hired by the City of Great Falls, Montana, where he advanced from firefighter to captain and later battalion chief. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in business and human resources from Columbia Southern University.
Van Son joined the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services in 2021 as battalion chief of community risk reduction. In that role, he has overseen fire prevention, plan review, public education, vegetation management, weed abatement enforcement, and fire and life safety inspections. He also has served as one of the department’s duty chiefs and has worked with residents, developers, businesses, Firewise communities, and regional partners on wildfire preparedness, community resilience, and public safety.
“I’m truly honored to step into this role and sincerely thank the City Council and City Manager Lewis for trusting me to continue leading Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services,” Van Son said. “I’m also deeply grateful for our partners across the City of Atascadero and throughout San Luis Obispo County who support our mission every day.”
“I especially want to thank Chief Bryson for his mentorship and dedicated service to our community. He has left an incredible legacy, and I certainly have big shoes to fill. The foundation that has been built over the years has positioned this department for long-term success. I look forward to continuing that vision as we provide professional, compassionate service to our community and advance the City’s strategic goals. It is an honor to serve Atascadero, and I’m excited for the work ahead alongside our outstanding team and our regional partners.”
Van Son and his wife, Jill, have been married for more than 35 years. They have four children, two grandchildren, and live in Atascadero.
