Palm Springs names Jeff Van Lierop interim fire chief

Palm Springs Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Van Lierop has been appointed interim fire chief, City Manager Scott Stiles announced Monday.

Van Lierop, a nearly 25-year veteran of the Palm Springs Fire Department, will succeed Fire Chief Paul Alvarado, who is retiring after a 35-year career in fire service.

Van Lierop joined the city as a firefighter in 2002. He has since served as fire engineer, fire captain, battalion chief and deputy fire chief.

“Jeff Van Lierop is a highly respected leader who has dedicated nearly 25 years of his career to protecting the Palm Springs community,” Stiles said. “His extensive operational experience, strong relationships within the department and throughout the region, as well as deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents and firefighters make him exceptionally well-qualified to lead the department during this transition.”

Stiles added: “Jeff understands our community, our firefighters, and the important priorities ahead. I am confident he will provide steady, experienced leadership while continuing to strengthen the department and deliver the highest level of public safety services our community expects and deserves.”

Among his accomplishments, Van Lierop established a Joint Apprenticeship Committee to ensure firefighters receive training consistent with statewide standards and procedures. He also helped implement the department’s Peer Support and Wellness Program, which supports the mental and physical well-being of firefighters.

Van Lierop has been a state-certified firefighting instructor for the past 20 years.

He has responded to numerous major emergencies and critical incidents during his career. One of his proudest moments, according to the city, was helping rescue several elderly passengers after a serious bus crash on Interstate 10 in 2016.

The city said his experience managing complex emergency incidents, along with his internal and external partnerships, has helped strengthen the department’s operational readiness and regional coordination.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Palm Springs community for nearly 25 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional department as interim fire chief,” Van Lierop said.

“I want to thank City Manager Scott Stiles and the City Council for their confidence and trust in me. We have an outstanding team of dedicated firefighters and emergency personnel who work tirelessly every day to protect our residents and visitors,” he said.

“My priority will be to support our personnel, maintain operational excellence, and ensure a seamless transition as we continue delivering the highest level of service to the Palm Springs community.”

As interim chief, Van Lierop will oversee the department’s fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention and emergency response operations. He will also continue to advance key public safety priorities.

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