Yuba City installs new police and fire chiefs in public ceremony

YUBA CITY — The Yuba City City Council formally installed two new public safety chiefs in a public ceremony held at City Hall on the evening of July 1, 2025, swearing in Josh Hubbard as fire chief and Jim Runyon as police chief.

The swearing-in took place outside on the City Hall courtyard to accommodate a large crowd and maintain fire‑marshal occupancy limits. Mayor Dave Shaw introduced the event and said the simultaneous installations are “an extreme rarity” for the city. Council members and the interim city manager publicly praised both men and noted the department cultures that influenced the council’s decision to promote from within.

The council and community leaders framed the appointments as part of a planned internal succession process. Councilmember Tony Cole said the council chose to promote internally because “we have way too much talent and dedication” in the city’s ranks. Vice Mayor Mark Boomgaarden recalled first encountering Hubbard in 2006 and described him as “a strong up‑and‑coming firefighter” who has “proven that throughout his career in Yuba City.” Councilmember Michael Pasquale and others emphasized family support and departmental continuity.

Josh Hubbard, sworn in as fire chief, said he was “honored and privileged to stand here today wearing the patch and the uniform of a Yuba City firefighter” and promised to “serve with integrity” and put people first. Hubbard acknowledged mentors and family members in the audience and recognized the influence of the late firefighter Brian Zollner in his career. Hubbard asked the community to maintain ties with local fire stations: “I ask you to come visit early and often, have meals, come share experiences, be in our firehouses, be a part of this.”

Jim Runyon, sworn in as police chief, told the gathering he would not have accepted the post without the council’s support: “I would not have taken on this role had I not known I’ve had your full support going into it.” Runyon thanked colleagues, family members and partner agencies and said he wants the police department to be a workplace people want to join and stay in.

City Manager Robert Bendorf thanked the chiefs and their families and presented tokens of appreciation to spouses, noting that leadership in these roles requires seven‑day, around‑the‑clock commitment. The council recessed briefly after the ceremony and reconvened the regular meeting inside the council chambers.

The installations were ceremonial actions; no separate council vote on the appointments was recorded during the public ceremony. The event included pinning ceremonies performed by family members and the administration of oaths by city staff.