From emergency response on the front lines to strategic planning that supports training, budgeting and community risk reduction, the Scottsdale Fire Department’s leadership team is anchored by nearly a century of combined experience.

The department has appointed three new assistant fire chiefs, joining current Assistant Fire Chief Clint Steeves to form a seasoned executive team. Together, Assistant Chiefs Steeves, Robert Rucker, Aren Hansen and Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon bring broad operational, prevention and administrative expertise that spans every division of the organization.

“This is an exceptional group of leaders who understand this department at every level,” said Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “They have led through complex incidents, major special events and organizational growth. Their experience ensures we remain operationally strong, fiscally responsible and focused on reducing risk in our community.”

City Manager Greg Caton said the appointments reflect the city’s deep leadership bench and long-term commitment to public safety.

“This leadership team brings nearly 100 years of combined experience across operations, prevention, wildland response, special events, finance and workforce development,” Caton said. “Their steady leadership will help guide the department forward while continuing to deliver the high level of service our community expects.”

Experience across the department

Collectively, the assistant chiefs have led fire operations, special operations, wildland coordination, prevention and code enforcement, major event planning, recruitment and training, logistics, budgeting and capital planning.

As Scottsdale continues to grow and host world-class events, that breadth of experience strengthens both daily response readiness and long-range planning.

“Our community expects excellence,” Shannon said. “That requires leaders who understand both emergency operations and the systems that support them. This team brings that balance.”

Clint Steeves

Assistant Fire Chief Clint Steeves has nearly three decades of fire service experience. He began his career in 1996 with Rural Metro Fire Department and joined the Scottsdale Fire Department in 2005 as a captain.

He has served as captain and paramedic, battalion chief, deputy chief of special operations and shift commander, and has led both Operations and Prevention with a focus on community risk reduction. Steeves holds an associate degree in fire science and emergency medicine from Phoenix College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from South University. He also served as hazardous materials regional coordinator for the Phoenix Valley Regional System and on the executive board of the Scottsdale Firefighters Association.

Robert Rucker

Robert Rucker has more than 37 years of fire service experience, including 14 years as a chief officer with Scottsdale.

He has served in leadership roles spanning emergency operations, training and development, logistics, information technology, fleet and facilities management and capital procurement. As wildland fire program coordinator, he strengthened partnerships with federal and state agencies to enhance regional readiness. In resource management, he oversaw a $6 million equipment and facilities budget and improved procurement processes to achieve cost efficiencies for the city.

Rucker holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency services administration from Northern Arizona University and an associate degree in fire science from Scottsdale Community College.

Aren Hansen

Aren Hansen brings more than 25 years of fire service experience and currently serves as deputy chief.

He began his career as a seasonal wildland firefighter in 1997 and joined Scottsdale in 2005 as an engineer. He was later promoted to captain, battalion chief and deputy chief. Hansen has also served in leadership roles supporting positive labor-management relations and holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service management and labor management relations from Ottawa University, along with master’s-level coursework in business administration.

Kristi Gagnon

Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon brings nearly two decades of experience in fire and life safety and community risk reduction.

She joined Scottsdale in 2019 as a fire inspector and investigator and was promoted to fire marshal in 2022. Gagnon oversees hazard and risk reduction efforts for major events including the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. She is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and earned the Chief Fire Officer designation in 2025.

Looking ahead

Shannon said the combined experience within the assistant chief ranks provides both continuity and momentum.

“These leaders understand our history and are focused on innovation, mentorship and preparing the next generation,” he said. “Their leadership ensures the Scottsdale Fire Department remains prepared, resilient and ready to serve a growing community.”