The Clark County Commission today ratified the appointment of Billy Samuels as the new Fire Chief of the Clark County Fire Department (CCFD). Samuels takes command following the recent retirement of former Chief John Steinbeck.

“Fire Chief Billy Samuels has been a public servant for more than two decades and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the fire service mission,” said Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom. “That commitment, along with his skilled leadership, have earned him the respect of his fellow firefighters and the community in which he was born, raised, and educated. He is the definition of hometown hero.”

Samuels began his career as a firefighter with Clark County in 2001 and went on to earn his paramedic certification and become an engineer. He promoted to captain and then advanced to battalion chief before being named Deputy Chief over the Office of Emergency Management in 2020. As the emergency management head, Samuels played an integral role in the planning and execution of major events such as the annual New Year’s Eve celebration on the Las Vegas Strip, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII. He also provided leadership in response to natural disasters that have impacted Clark County and ran the operations for the Family Assistance Center after the tragic events of 1 October.

“The men and women that serve in our fire department are incredible, and I am truly honored by this opportunity,” said Samuels. “I look forward to working together with all of our community partners as CCFD continues to provide exceptional service to our community.”

Samuels was born and raised in Las Vegas, graduated from Valley High School, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.                                                                      

The Clark County Fire Department is the largest in the state, receiving 146,626 calls for service in 2023. The department has 32 full-time fire stations and 10 volunteer fire stations in rural areas, responsible for protecting a majority of the Las Vegas Valley, including the famed Las Vegas Strip, as well as the resort townships of Laughlin, Primm and Jean. The Department also maintains one of only 28 urban search and rescue teams in the country and provides fire and rescue services to the nation’s 5th-busiest airport.     
                                              

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