Mark R. Nelson is the Fire Chief for the City of Visalia Fire Department.
He was appointed to the position on June 16, 2008 and has 28 years of career fire service experience. Chief Nelson has a strong technical background and is well known for using data to shape management processes and improve the delivery of Emergency Services to the Visalia Community.
Chief Nelson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communications from California State University Stanislaus and an Associate's degree in Fire Science from Mission College. He is a California State Certified Fire Chief and is an Internationally Certified Chief Fire Officer - CFO.
Chief Nelson feels very fortunate to live in the City of Visalia and realizes a great sense of professional and personal satisfaction in being able to make decisions that affect the level of service provided to his own family and community. He and his wife, Mary Kay, have four children, Alyssa, Emily, Jack and Sam.
