Montecito Fire Chief Neels to Retire Soon

As part of my weekly reporting on the Montecito Fire Protection District, particularly with an active rainy season underway, I noticed a banner on the district’s website advertising an opening for a new fire chief. When I wrote about the vacancy for News Bytes, I reached out to Fire Chief David Neels to confirm what many along Coast Village Road had already begun to suspect.

He replied, as he always does, in less than 24 hours. In his email, Chief Neels wrote, “I will be retiring at the end of March. I have had the opportunity to serve as a firefighter and first responder since 1989 and have made the choice to retire.”

Chief Neels was sworn into the Montecito Fire Protection District in March 2023 and immediately set to work, shouldering a workload that would challenge even the most seasoned administrator. In addition to the core responsibilities of the job, he regularly attended and reported on district matters at monthly Montecito Association meetings; modernized fire prevention education for audiences ranging from schoolchildren to adults; and oversaw the creation and updating of the Montecito Fire website to provide the public with timely alerts and educational materials.

He also scheduled and expanded local chipping projects (held six times annually) including the use of grazing goats as a natural method of vegetation management; collaborated with community partners to address contentious local issues such as the Hot Springs Trail; established Friday Fire Family awards to recognize his team; and worked closely with fire districts across the state to address shared challenges. Much of this work, as colleagues note, occurred quietly and behind the scenes. His leadership set a standard for his department and for the community it serves.

Chief Neels will make an official announcement in the coming weeks, and a formal interview is planned. As he prepares for retirement, the community has an opportunity to recognize not only an accomplished fire chief, but also a devoted husband and father, and to wish him well in the years ahead.