Cheyne C. Maule
SAN CLEMENTE,California
Summary
Mission-driven fire service executive with over 20 years leading emergency operations and administration. Recognized for aligning city priorities with operational readiness and fiscal stewardship, while enhancing public trust through collaborative decision-making and effective labor relations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Division Chief
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County, USA
01.2022 - Current
- Acted as Incident Commander/Unified Command on complex incidents and served as senior liaison to city executives, elected officials, and regional partners, fostering trust and coordinated decision-making across jurisdictions.
- Led division operations across two battalions for five cities and unincorporated South Orange County, ensuring service reliability and operational readiness aligned with member-agency expectations and OCFA priorities.
- Led budget forecasting and capital planning; co-chaired Apparatus Committee, enhancing resource allocation and supporting fleet modernization for long-range operational capability.
Battalion Chief / Air Operations Program Manager
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County, USA
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Directed OCFA Air Operations, overseeing personnel, training, safety, compliance, and standard operating procedures to sustain mission-ready aviation capability for countywide all-hazards response.
- Led cross-functional aviation teams, managing program budget and long-range resource planning to align resources with operational needs.
- Represented OCFA on FIRESCOPE Air Operations Specialty Group, influencing statewide doctrine and enhancing interoperability for coordinated response.
Fire Battalion Chief
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County, USA
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Commanded battalion operations, optimizing response performance and ensuring staffing readiness, safety, and labor policy compliance.
- Coached company officers, enhancing operational execution through targeted training, evaluation, and performance management.
- Supervised emergency response operations across multiple incidents and shifts.
- Trained and mentored firefighters in advanced firefighting techniques and safety protocols.
- Coordinated training programs to enhance team performance and operational readiness.
Earlier Career
OCFA & Garden Grove Fire Department
01.2004 - 01.2019
- Progressed through firefighter/paramedic, captain, and battalion chief roles, enhancing operational command, leading training initiatives, and implementing community risk reduction strategies.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
B.S. - Emergency Services Management
Union Institute & University
Los Angeles, CAA.S. - Fire Science
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CAFirefighter I Academy
Palomar College
General Education and Paramedicine coursework
Saddleback College
Skills
- Incident command
- Organizational leadership
- Labor management
- Succession planning
- Executive messaging
- Budget strategy
- Fiscal stewardship
- Capital planning
- Intergovernmental relations
- Member-city relations
- Board relations
- Service culture
- Public trust
- Leader development
Certification
- Chief Fire Officer Certification, California State Fire Marshal
- All-Hazards Incident Management Team (O-305)
- CICCS Qualified: Strike Team Leader and Engine Boss
- L-580 Leadership in Action
- MCTI Network Leadership Program
Selected Leadership Highlights
- Co-led Firehawk helicopter acquisition and implementation and supported helipad and forward operating base development to expand OCFA’s aviation capability and regional response capacity.
- Supported fire station development and interagency infrastructure partnerships that strengthened long-term service delivery and operational readiness.
Executive Strengths
Ethical, accountable, and politically astute executive leader with a calm presence in high-consequence environments; committed to transparent leadership, leader development, team cohesion, and decision-making that reflects OCFA’s service principles and organizational doctrine.
Professional Leadership
President, OCFA Chief Officers Association, Engage routinely with municipal executives, elected officials, labor representatives, and regional partners in support of service delivery, organizational alignment, and strong member-agency relationships., Recognized for collaborative leadership, professional integrity, and the ability to unite diverse perspectives around shared goals.
Timeline
Fire Division Chief
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
01.2022 - Current
Battalion Chief / Air Operations Program Manager
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
01.2020 - 01.2022
Fire Battalion Chief
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
01.2019 - 01.2020
Earlier Career
OCFA & Garden Grove Fire Department
01.2004 - 01.2019
B.S. - Emergency Services Management
Union Institute & University
A.S. - Fire Science
Santa Ana College
Firefighter I Academy
Palomar College
General Education and Paramedicine coursework
Saddleback College