640 Square Miles?? Fire Department management in a vast and growing community.

City of Buckeye fire chief Jake Rhoades has more than 29 years of experience in fire and emergency management, most recently as fire chief for Kingman, Arizona.

Jake notes that “The team in Buckeye is a well-known department with a lot going for them, and so does the city of Buckeye. Being a part of that professionally is exciting, and so is the ability to plan and see what the future has in store for the community.” 

Jake is happy to be in Buckeye with his family, and closer to his sons. One is a firefighter with the Northwest Fire District, and his youngest is (was) a senior at ASU.

Jake has a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University, a master’s in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University, a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Oklahoma Christian University, and became a certified public manager through ASU. 

Rhoades said his experience in fire service throughout his career has prepared him for his new role in Buckeye.  “If anyone looks at my resume, my career is diverse. I push myself and those around me for continuous improvement, we always want to be better.”

Chief Jake, his wife, and his blue nose pit bull are enthusiastic Buckeye residents. He believes it’s important to be in and part of the community he serves, and we're delighted to have him in our Verrado Rotary gang and look forward to his update.