City of Atascadero Announces David J. Van Son as the New Fire Chief!

The City of Atascadero is pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Van Son as the City’s next Fire Chief. Following an internal recruitment process, City Manager James R. Lewis has selected Battalion Chief Van Son to lead the Atascadero Department of Fire & Emergency Services upon the retirement of Fire Chief Casey Bryson.

Chief Bryson will retire after a long and distinguished career on September 18, 2026, after more than 26 years of dedicated service to the Atascadero Community, including serving as Fire Chief since 2017. As part of the City’s longstanding commitment to succession planning and professional development, an internal recruitment process was conducted to identify the department’s next leader. Chief Van Son will assume the role of Fire Chief on September 19, 2026, following City Council confirmation.

"Chief Van Son has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication throughout his career," said City Manager James R. Lewis. "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, with extensive leadership in emergency operations, community risk reduction, labor relations and organizational development. Chief Van Son started his fire career with the Santa Barbara County Hot Shot Crew; after working three fire seasons, he joined the United States Air Force and served three years as a Firefighter / Senior Airman before being hired as a Firefighter with the City of Great Falls, Montana where he was promoted to Captain and later Battalion Chief. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Human Resources from Columbia Southern University.

In 2021, Chief Van Son joined the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services as Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction. In this role, he has overseen fire prevention, plan review, public education, vegetation management, weed abatement enforcement, and fire and life safety inspections. He works closely with residents, developers, businesses, Firewise communities, and regional partners to enhance wildfire preparedness, community resilience and public safety. Chief Van Son has also had operational management experience as one of the duty chiefs. Throughout his career, Chief Van Son has remained committed to organizational excellence, firefighter wellness and public service.

“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,” said Chief Van Son. “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 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.”

Chief Van Son’s appointment and employment agreement will be considered by the Atascadero City Council at its meeting on July 14, 2026. Pending Council approval, he will officially begin serving as Fire Chief on September 19, 2026.

Chief Van Son and his wife, Jill, have been married for more than 35 years and have four children and two grandchildren and they reside in Atascadero.

Please join the City of Atascadero in congratulating and welcoming Chief David J. Van Son as the next Fire Chief of the Atascadero Department of Fire & Emergency Services!