After more than three decades of service, Yuma Fire Chief Dustin “Dusty” Fields will retire on Friday, September 5, 2025, closing a chapter defined by servant leadership, innovation, and commitment to the Yuma community.
Fields is a second-generation member of the Yuma Fire Department (YFD). His father, John R. Fields, retired as a Battalion Chief in 1996 after 28 years of service. Dusty began his fire service career with Rural Metro Fire in 1991 before joining YFD in 1994. Over the next 31 years, he rose through the ranks—firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief—before being named Fire Chief in 2022.
In this role, he led the department through a period of progress and transformation. Under his leadership, the department developed a comprehensive Master Plan to guide staffing, operations, and infrastructure for the next five to ten years. He also spearheaded efforts to improve ambulance response times, maintained YFD’s National Fire Service Accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and implemented operational improvements such as a modern station alerting system to reduce firefighter fatigue, a department-wide inventory system to streamline resources, and a partnership with Independent Medical Direction LLC—placing YFD at the forefront of quality emergency care.
Fields’ leadership extended beyond Yuma. He served in leadership roles with the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association, helping to strengthen statewide fire service collaboration and advocate for the advancement of the fire profession across Arizona.
Operational advances were matched by his dedication to firefighter health and safety. Cancer prevention became both a personal and professional priority for him, leading to improvements in protective gear, stronger decontamination procedures, and specialized training to reduce risks. He also introduced comprehensive firefighter-specific 1582 physicals, which have already helped detect cancer early among firefighters—steps that may ultimately save lives. He further defined the department’s culture with the guiding motto, “We Can’t Wait to Help!”—a phrase that reflects not only the urgency of emergency response but also the department’s commitment to community outreach, education, and service.
Fields also invested in developing the next generation of public safety professionals. He supported the creation of a Cadet Program to mentor aspiring firefighters and founded the City’s Public Safety Chaplain Program, which provides first responders and their families with emotional and spiritual support.
“Chief Fields has been a leader with vision and compassion in founding the City’s Chaplain Service,” said Mayor Doug Nicholls. “Thank you for providing space for our first responders and the people they serve—reminding us that courage comes not only in action but in care. Wishing you a great retirement!”
He also played a key role in the opening of Fire Station 7 and in the planning of Fire Station 8 to meet the needs of Yuma’s growing population.
“Chief Fields has demonstrated a steady commitment to the department and to the residents of Yuma,” said Acting City Administrator Jay Simonton. “His leadership has enhanced our fire services and strengthened public safety, leaving a solid foundation for those who will follow.”
Reflecting on his decades of service, Fields credits the people he’s worked alongside for the department’s success. “It’s not about me – it’s about them,” he said. “I’ve always believed in a servant-leadership model where the focus is on supporting others so they can succeed.”
The City of Yuma thanks Chief Fields for his service to the community and wishes him well in his retirement. A public reception honoring him will be held at Yuma City Hall on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, immediately following the City Council meeting. All are welcome to attend.
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