Contact David Cochran

Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran has more than 24 years of experience with the Reno Fire Department (RFD). Hired as a firefighter in April 1998, Cochran was promoted to the rank of Fire Equipment Operator in 2006, Captain in 2007 and Battalion Chief in 2012. Before becoming Fire Chief, Cochran held the positions of Fire Marshal and Training Chief.

Cochran is a graduate from California Polytechnic State University in 1987, with a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree. He also graduated from the Hastings College of Law in 1990 with a Juris Doctorate. He practiced law in California and Nevada for nearly 10 years before switching careers to join the fire service.

Cochran has been a member of the Reno Fire Department Water Entry Team and is trained in HAZMAT operations and response, Wildland Urban Interface Operations, and is an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Cochran appreciates being able to start his work day with a joyful greeting from RFD’s trained arson dog, Boston, who doubles as an informal therapy dog for City Hall. Boston is also the hometown of his favorite baseball team and, when he is not at work, Cochran spends time rooting for his Red Sox and hunting, fishing or generally enjoying the great outdoors with his wife, Kara, and two dogs, Mookie and Chico (who are also regulars at City Hall).