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James Miguel has been selected by Mayor John Curtis as Provo's next fire chief on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. The Municipal Council is expected to ratify the hiring at its Oct. 4 meeting. 

Courtesy

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James Miguel was named Provo's new fire chief on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. The Municipal Council ratified that appointment at its Oct. 4 meeting. His swearing in ceremony was held Monday.  

Courtesy

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After several months of a national search, Provo Mayor John Curtis announced Thursday that James Miguel, of St. George, will be the city’s new fire chief.

Miguel replaces 40-year veteran Chief Gary Jolley who retired in May.

“I am looking forward to coming to Provo,” Miguel said. “When I was up here interviewing, I spent half a day chasing the cranes to see what was being built.”

Miguel was born and raised in Northern California. He has spent 32 years as a firefighter in the communities around where he was born.

Miguel is no stranger to Provo or Utah County. He has two sons and extended family that live in the area, and his wife, Susan Burr Miguel, was born in Provo.

“Provo is the most patriotic city I’ve ever seen,” Miguel said. “I have spent many a July 3rd with my head resting on the curb waiting for the July 4th parade.” 

Miguel comes to the city with a resume of experience and credentials, including serving as fire chief for the California cities of Livermore, Pleasanton and Modesto. He was the president of Alameda County Fire Chiefs Association and the legislative director for the California Fire Chiefs Association.

His education includes receiving a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona; graduation from the executive fire officers program and the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

“Chief Miguel has dedicated the life to public service,” Mayor Curtis said. “His almost unmatched experience gives me a great deal of confidence he understands the objectives we have in our city. I look forward to working side by side with him as we serve Provo residents.”

Miguel and his wife have a combined family of eight children and 11 grandchildren.  

The Municipal Council is expected to give final approval on Miguel’s appointment at its Oct. 4 meeting.