Hernandez appointed Morgan Hill’s new fire chief

Marcus Hernandez, a Cal Fire veteran who began his career in 2003, was recently appointed Morgan Hill’s new fire chief. 

Hernandez also now serves as Unit Chief of the Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit. He is serving in both positions as of May 5. 

“We are excited to have Chief Hernandez join our Morgan Hill Leadership Team and look forward to the continued  excellent fire service under his leadership,” Morgan Hill City Manager Christina Turner said. “We are very pleased with the  support received from Cal Fire, especially during the recruitment of a new chief. Thank you to former Chief Jake Hess for serving as our interim Fire Chief during the recruitment process.” 

Hernandez began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Riverside County Fire Department, says a press release from the City of Morgan Hill. He became a licensed paramedic in 2006.

In 2007, Hernandez joined Cal Fire and advanced through the ranks, including fire apparatus engineer, fire captain and battalion chief. He served in both operational and planning capacities across multiple units, including service for the Morgan Hill Fire Department. 

Hernandez was promoted in 2023 to deputy chief of the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development at Cal Fire’s Sacramento headquarters, bringing with him experience from field operations, land use planning and community wildfire preparedness. 

Throughout his career, Hernandez has contributed to statewide initiatives, serving on FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 6 and committees under the Office of the State Fire Marshal, says the press release.