Brawley Fire Chief Mike York Retires After 25 Years
The Brawley City Council honored retiring Fire Chief Mike York on November 3, 2026, recognizing his 25 years of service with the City of Brawley while approving a permanent successor.
During the public meeting, Mayor JJ Galvan issued an official commendation recognizing York’s professionalism, dedication and steadfast commitment to public safety through emergencies and organizational growth.
York stepped back from active duty in June 2026 because of health challenges, with Acting Chief Juan Rodelo overseeing department operations during the transition.
Reflecting on the department’s performance during his absence, York said: “The best thing about it was the public didn’t know that I was gone. That’s how it should be.
The department ran perfectly fine in my absence. That’s entirely due to the professionalism and dedication of this wonderful staff I was blessed with.”
Following a competitive executive search, the council approved Juan Rodelo’s three-year contract, effective November 3, 2026, through November 2, 2029, with a first-year salary of $140,500.
City Manager Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter praised Rodelo’s leadership. His contract provides for merit-based increases of up to 5% annually, conditional on satisfactory performance reviews.
The agreement establishes permanent leadership after Rodelo’s interim command during York’s health-related departure.
