Canby Fire tabs new chief as Davis prepares to retire

The Canby Fire Board recently appointed Deputy Chief Matt Dale as the next fire chief at Canby Fire District #62.

Dale will step in for Chief Jim Davis, who is retiring on Dec. 16 after 51 years of professional service.

“It is an honor to be hired as the fire chief for our community and I am excited to continue my career with all the members of the Canby Fire District that give so much of themselves to serve,” said Dale.

Dale has been at Canby Fire for most of his firefighting career, with 25 years of professional service. He started his career with CFD as a resident student firefighter in 1993, living at Station 365, and has since filled the role of captain, division chief and was promoted by Davis to deputy chief in 2023.

Dale grew up in Canby, graduating from Canby High School in 1989. He earned his associate degree in fire science from Portland Community College, associate degree for paramedic from Chemeketa Community College, and his bachelor’s degree in management and organizational leadership from George Fox University.

He and wife Emily have four children and three grandchildren. Dale enjoys swimming, gardening, and is an avid runner.

In addition to serving as deputy chief at Canby Fire, Dale also supervises operations and emergency medical services, and has been a leader on numerous Clackamas County EMS committees, as well as an active member on the new EMS delivery plan, soon to be presented to the Clackamas County EMS Council and the Clackamas County Commissioners.

Davis will continue to serve and work with the new chief to ensure a smooth transition of command.