Vacaville Fire Chief Kris Concepcion to retire

After more than three decades of firefighting service, Vacaville Fire Department Chief Kris Conception is retiring.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Concepcion’s promotion to fire chief in Vacaville, according to a press release issued by the City of Vacaville.

During his time as the city’s fire chief, the number of firefighters assigned to Vacaville on a daily basis rose to nearly 30, and he oversaw the opening of two new firehouses — Station 75 near Magnolia Park on the south side of town, and Station 76 in the Lagoon Valley area less than a year ago.

“Serving the City of Vacaville and leading the Fire Department has been an honor and a privilege,” Chief Concepcion said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart of the men and women of the Vacaville Fire Department.”

Concepcion started his career in 1991, working at the Orange County Fire Authority, where he served for 25 years before relocating to Vacaville. Locally, he rose through the ranks and took on a number of assignments, including paramedic, hazardous materials specialist, public affairs chief and administrative officer.

Concepcion also served as the Public Information Officer for the fire department, overseeing community notifications and assuring members of the news media had access to timely and accurate information during civil emergencies. During the two-year COVID-19 pandemic, he also served as the interim spokesperson for the City of Vacaville.

Beyond his duties in Vacaville, Concepcion served as the first responder representative for the state’s Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) advisory council.

“Chief Concepcion has had a profound impact on public safety in Vacaville,” Savita Chaudhary, the City Manager in Vacaville, said in a statement. “His vision, steady leadership, and commitment to innovation have made our community safer and stronger. We are grateful for his decade of service here in Vacaville and wish him the very best in retirement.”

Concepcion was born in the Philippines and raised in Southern California, according to a biography released by the city. He and his wife of nearly four decades, Peggy, have lived in Vacaville for the past 10 years and have four adult daughters.

Concepcion’s retirement will take effect in January 2026. The city has already started a search for his successor.