“Chief Garcia has provided nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the City of Wichita,” City Manager George Kolb said. “He’s a distinguished public servant who has demonstrated unequalled longevity to advancing the goals of public safety.”

Mayor Carl Brewer praised Chief Garcia as a distinguished public servant. “Chief Garcia is highly regarded within the organization and the community,” Mayor Brewer said. “He’s going to be missed.”

The longest-serving City employee, Garcia joined the Fire Department as a fire recruit on June 1, 1957.  He held numerous positions in the department before being appointed Fire Chief in October 1987. He also served as a firefighter, a fire alarm dispatcher, Chief Fire Operations Training Officer and a Special Assistant to the City Manager in which he oversaw programs aimed at improving job opportunities for racial and ethnic minorities as well as women.
 
Currently, Chief Garcia oversees 414 employees and a $34 million budget.

During Chief Garcia’s tenure he has been awarded the Excellence in Public Service Award, which recognizes the work of outstanding public servants. He is also a longstanding member of the International Fire Chiefs Association and has held official positions within the organization that is highly respected by fire fighters on an international level.  

Kolb said Chief Garcia has agreed to remain on the job until his successor is hired. The nationwide search for a new chief will begin immediately. The Fire Chief job listing will be posted on the City website www.wichita.gov, submitted to various fire and public administration specialty publications and websites, and sent directly to interested candidates. Attached is the recruitment brochure for this important position.