Crime & Safety

Jon Canavan Appointed Encinitas Fire Department Chief

Encinitas Fire Department Chief position also oversees operations in Del Mar and Solana Beach.

The City of Encinitas has appointed highly respected North County career fire executive Jon Canavan as Fire Chief. Chief Canavan, who began serving the City on October 14, 2013, replaces Scott Henry, who retired after serving the Encinitas Fire Department for more than 30 years.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations of the six-station Encinitas Fire Department, whose services encompass fire suppression, fire prevention, disaster preparedness and Marine Safety Services, Chief Canavan provides operational oversight for emergency services of the Cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar under a Joint Fire Management Services Agreement. In all, he oversees more than 90 firefighters and support staff.

Chief Canavan states, “I am thrilled to join the City of Encinitas. Encinitas takes pride in its commitment to public engagement and providing a high level of customer service that is efficient and prudent.  I am honored to join the entire team of the Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Services Department, Del Mar Fire Department, and Solana Beach Fire Department.  The men and women of each agency are known for their dedicated service, community pride, and willingness to collaborate. Together, I look forward to the continuance of providing the highest level of public safety services based on the needs of each community, and maximizing those resources the public entrusts us with.”

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Beginning as a firefighter in the City of San Marcos in 1990, Canavan progressed up the ladder to Fire Captain over the next 13 years. In 2003, he joined the Poway Fire Department as Fire Division Chief, attaining additional educational certifications and has been assigned to each major area of managerial responsibility including Training, Operations, Emergency Planning, Administration and Fire Prevention. His most recent assignment was Administration Chief and Fire Marshal, where he was jointly responsible for the management of fire prevention activities, including new construction plan reviews, and development and management of  a $20 million annual fire and contract law-enforcement operating budget and capital program. 

Encinitas City Manager Gus Vina states, “We are fortunate to add someone of Chief Canavan’s caliber to our leadership team. His broad experience and collaborative-minded people skills will serve the Fire Department, City of Encinitas and its residents, businesses and visitors well.”

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Jon Canavan resides in Poway with his wife and two teen-aged sons. He notes, “Our family enjoys vacations, beach camping and baseball.” In his service as Little League team coach and manager, Canavan was named All-Star Team Manager for three consecutive years. He is also active in the school district and community.

–City of Encinitas


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