The California Fire Chiefs Association proudly recognizes Chief Jeff G. Boyles of the Newport Beach Fire Department as the recipient of the 2025 Ronny J. Coleman Fire Chief of the Year Award. This award honors a California fire chief whose leadership, innovation, and dedication set a standard for excellence in the profession.

With more than 30 years of fire service experience, including six years as Fire Chief of Newport Beach, Chief Boyles has made a lasting impact locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally. His career reflects a commitment to organizational excellence, professional development, and community engagement.

Transforming Leadership and Organizational Excellence
Appointed as the ninth Fire Chief of Newport Beach in 2019, Chief Boyles has led significant transformations within the department. He spearheaded the 2022–2025 Strategic Plan, a collaborative roadmap developed with input from staff and community stakeholders, strengthening service delivery and aligning departmental goals with community priorities.

Chief Boyles oversees a $66 million annual budget, balancing operational effectiveness with responsible fiscal stewardship. He leads over 350 personnel across operations, emergency medical services, marine safety, prevention, and administration, fostering mentorship, inclusivity, and innovation throughout the department.

Known for transparent and proactive communication, he conducts daily briefings, monthly management meetings, and frequent department-wide updates, building collaboration and trust across all ranks.

Commitment to Wellness and Professional Growth
Chief Boyles prioritizes employee health, safety, and wellness. He actively supports programs for cancer prevention, behavioral health, and peer support, ensuring staff and families have access to physicals, counseling, and guidance. He encourages professional development, promoting participation in National Fire Academy courses, leadership programs, and executive-level conferences, cultivating a department-wide culture of growth and learning.

Service Beyond the Firehouse
Chief Boyles’ influence extends beyond Newport Beach. At the county level, he has held every leadership role in the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association, including President. At the state level, he served as President of the League of California Cities Fire Chiefs Section, shaping statewide policy, legislation, and professional standards.

Nationally, Chief Boyles elevates the profession through collaboration, education, and innovation. A graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Executive Leaders Program and enhanced all-hazard command training at Texas A&M, he has also contributed thought leadership through publications and speaking engagements.

Community and Civic Leadership
A committed community leader, Chief Boyles serves as Vice President of Speak Up Newport, on the boards of Leadership Tomorrow and the Newport Beach 1/1 Marines Foundation, and as a Commodore with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. He helped establish the Newport Beach Fire Foundation, strengthening community support for fire and lifeguard personnel.

In recognition of his dedication and service, Chief Boyles was named First Responder of the Year (2024) by the Association of California Cities, Orange County.

A Legacy of Leadership
Chief Boyles holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He lives in Huntington Beach and enjoys surfing, paddleboarding, and time with his family.

Through visionary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to public service, Chief Boyles embodies the principles of Chief Ronny J. Coleman — leaving a legacy of excellence that strengthens both the Newport Beach Fire Department and the broader fire service profession.

Congratulations to Chief Jeff G. Boyles, the 2025 Ronny J. Coleman Fire Chief of the Year.

 

Past Recipients

• 2024 - Chief Casey Cox, Arbuckle College City Fire District
• 2023 - Jason Weber, Marin County Fire Department
• 2022 - Brian Fennessy, Orange County Fire Authority
• 2021 - John Binaski, Clovis Fire Department
• 2020 - Michael McLaughlin, Cosumnes Fire Department
• 2019 - David Rocha, Alameda County Fire Department
• 2018 - Jeff Carman, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
• 2017 - Mark Hartwig, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
• 2016 - Tracey Hansen, Cosumnes Fire Department
• 2013 - Kurt P. Henke, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department
• 2012 - Kenneth Woods III, Humboldt Bay Fire Department
• 2011 - Sheldon Gilbert, Alameda County Fire Department
• 2010 - Doug Williams/John Hawkins, Rincon Valley Fire Department/Cal Fire – Riverside
• 2009 - Kenneth Massucco, Marin County Fire Department
• 2008 - Tracy Jarman, San Diego Fire & Rescue Department
• 2007 - Kim Zagaris, California Office of Emergency Services
• 2006 - William McCammon, Alameda County Fire Department
• 2005 - Ray Quintanar, U.S. Forest Service, Region 5
• 2004 - Dave Carlson , Riverside Fire Department
• 2003 - Rick Martinez, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
• 2002 - Chip Prather, Orange County Fire Authority
• 2001 - Mike Thompson, Culver City Fire Department
• 2000 - Daniel Lydon, Fremont Fire Department
• 2000 - Robert E. Marcucci, San Rafael Fire Department