Message from the Chief
The Avra Valley Fire District seeks to be a model of service committed to making a difference; not for ourselves but for those we serve. We strive to continually improve and be an organization that is in the business of major transformation and revolution. I encourage you to stop by our stations; take the time to talk with some of our firefighters. They will tell you that Avra Valley Fire District is recognized by other emergency service organizations as a model of change and progress. The District’s financial situation is continually improving through accountability and control measures. Technology is being utilized more often to ensure the fastest possible response times to emergencies and to increase efficiency. Avra Valley firefighters are well trained in a myriad of emergency response disciplines. There are cogent plans to build new fire stations, purchase new fire trucks and ambulances, and to hire more personnel. We are dedicated professionals who are eager to serve. Residents of the Avra Valley Fire District can rest assured that they receive the benefits of superior customer service from their district.
FIRE CHIEF, Brian Delfs bdelfs@avfire.org
Brian Delfs was appointed Chief of the Avra Valley Fire District in 2010. Throughout his forty-plus year career in the fire service he has also served with several local, State and international organizations. Chief Delfs received a gubernatorial appointment to serve as chairman of the Industrial Commission of Arizona where he served for nine years. He was a member of the State of Arizona Special Fund Investment Committee. He served as a fund manager and special advisor of the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. Mr. Delfs was chairman of PSPRS Operations and Audit Sub-committee. He currently participates or has participated in numerous other boards including: the PSPRS Tucson Local Board, Pima Association of Governments Regional Transportation Authority, City of Tucson Fire Code Committee, Governor’s Committee on Emergency Medical Technician Licensure, State of Arizona Arson Task Force, and the Tucson Fire Fighters/Nationwide Retirement Trust Board. Chief Delfs is a member of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the International Association of Fire Fighters. Chief Delfs completed an A.A.S. in Fire Science at Pima Community College and a course of study in Hazardous Materials Response at Phoenix Community College. The Chief earned a BA in Leadership and Administration at the National Labor College and a Master of Administration (with distinction) from Northern Arizona University in 2010. Chief Delfs has earned professional certifications by completing executive education programs at Harvard University (HTUP), Wharton Business College of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Chicago Graduate School of Business. Additionally, the Chief has earned a Professional Development Certificate from the Federal Emergency Management Institute. He is certified as an Executive Fire Officer (EFO), as well as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) by the Commission on Professional Credentialing and has achieved professional designation from the International Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE). He is a graduate of Arizona State University’s Certified Public Manager Program (CPM). Chief Delfs has enjoyed community involvement as a cabinet member of the United Way of Arizona, a board member of Desert Christian Schools, and as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and as a youth football coach.
Assistant Chief Ray Klein rklein@avfire.org
Ray Klein was hired by the Avra Valley Fire District as the Assistant Fire Chief in September 2010. Chief Klein brings twenty-seven years of experience in the fire service to the District. He retired from the Tucson Fire Department in October 2009 after serving as the Deputy Chief in charge of the Tucson Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Chief Klein also served as the Emergency Medical Services Training Director for Pima Community College from 1999 to 2008 where he developed and implemented the Paramedic Training Program still being used today. Chief Klein was the recipient of the City of Tucson Fire Department Services Award in 2004 and the City of Tucson Public Service Excellence Award in 1998. Chief Klein has an extensive background in managing budgets, developing operating procedures, writing and obtaining grants, managing special projects, and running fire service operations. Chief Klein currently participates, or has participated in numerous committees and boards including: The Arizona Fire Chief Association’s Mutual Aid Committee, the Arizona Department of Health Services Disaster Preparedness Committee, The Southern Arizona Emergency Medical Services Board, The Urban Area Security Initiative Working Group, The Pima County Emergency Preparedness Group, The Tucson Metropolitan Medical Response System Steering Committee, The Advanced Haz-Mat Life Support Scientific Advisory Committee, and the Southern Arizona Regional Hazardous Materials Response Committee. Chief Klein is a contributing author in several hazardous materials training manuals as well as a publication in a 2002 edition of the Critical Care Medicine magazine. Chief Klein earned both an AAS Degree in Fire Science (2002) and an AAS Degree in Paramedicine (2001) from Pima Community College. Chief Klein earned a BS Degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management from the Grand Canyon University in 2011 and an MS Degree in Leadership with an emphasis in disaster preparedness and executive fire service leadership from the Grand Canyon University in 2012. Chief Klein has obtained his Executive Fire Officer credentials from FEMA and his Chief Fire Officer credentials from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
