Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) – Clark County Fire and Rescue have a new chief after the Clark County Commission ratified the appointment of Billy Samuels to the position.
Samuels takes command following the recent retirement of former Chief John Steinbeck.
Samuels began his career as a firefighter with Clark County in 2001 and went on to earn his paramedic certification and become an engineer. He promoted to captain and then advanced to battalion chief before being named Deputy Chief over the Office of Emergency Management in 2020.
As the emergency management head, Samuels played an integral role in the planning and execution of major events such as the annual New Year’s Eve celebration on the Las Vegas Strip, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII. He also provided leadership in response to natural disasters that have impacted Clark County and ran the operations for the Family Assistance Center after the tragic events of 1 October.
“The men and women that serve in our fire department are incredible, and I am truly honored by this opportunity,” said Samuels. “I look forward to working together with all of our community partners as CCFD continues to provide exceptional service to our community.”
Samuels was born and raised in Las Vegas, graduated from Valley High School, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.