Nathaniel Hartinger is the UC Davis fire chief. He was officially selected for the position after 25 years with the UC Davis Fire Department, including serving as interim fire chief for more than a year. Read a news article about his selection.

“Chief Nate” oversees all operations of the department, including emergency response, training, community preparedness, administration and mutual aid coordination across the region. His efforts have helped shape UC Davis’ proactive, all-risk service model, with nationally recognized programs in mental health response, emergency medical training and interagency collaboration.

Earlier in his career, Hartinger was instrumental in leading the department’s Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide. He also helped establish UC Davis’ EMT certification program, helped launch the Health 34 team and led the department’s participation in the West Valley Regional Fire Training Consortium.

Throughout his career, Hartinger has led teams through wildfire deployments, major campus emergencies and strategic response efforts, including the university’s COVID-19 adaptations. His qualifications span hazardous materials, technical rescue, wildland firefighting and public education, reflecting a lifetime of all-hazard readiness and learning.

He has served in every rank at the UC Davis Fire Department, from firefighter to captain, battalion chief, assistant chief and deputy chief, before becoming fire chief.

Hartinger's career with the UC Davis Fire Department started in 2000, after working as a student firefighter. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in communications and sociology from UC Davis.