Steve Islas was officially sworn is as the new leader of the Manteca Fire Department.

He was administered the oath as fire chief Monday by City Clerk Cassandra Candini-Tilton.

“Chief Islas bring with him a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a deep commitment of serving the community,” said the local fire officials.

He’s the 13th fire chief since the City of Manteca transitioned from an all-volunteer department back in 1960. Dave Marques was the previous fire chief. He retired last January with Dave Rudat serving in the interim.

Steve Islas, who was born and raised in Stockton, began as a volunteer for the Linden-Peters Fire District in 1998.

He continued on as a resident firefighter at Columbia College Fire Department prior to being hired on at the Stockton Fire Department in 2002.

It was there that he served as Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain, Battalion chief, and Division Chief, heading up the Division of Training, Emergency Communications Division, and the Emergency Medical Service Division.

Islas earned his degree in Business from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s of Public Administration from Arkansas State University.

He can now look forward to serving as a strategic leader as Manteca Fire Chief, shaping and implementing the department’s division via effective planning, policy development, and operational oversight.

“We’re excited for this new chapter as he leads our department forward – continuing our mission to protect, serve, and strengthen the city of Manteca,” added fire officials.