Greg Ruiz was appointed Interim Chief Deputy City Manager for the City of Tempe in July 2024. In this executive role, he oversees the operations of the Police Department, Fire Medical Rescue Department and Community Health and Human Services. Prior to this appointment, he served as Tempe’s Deputy City Manager for one year.

 With over 37 years of experience in fire service, including 32 years with the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department, Greg spent 11 years as Fire Chief, where he led with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community-based service delivery. His background also includes experience in the private sector working in both ground and air ambulance services.

 Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is a graduate of Tempe Leadership Class XXII, the Executive Fire Officer Program and the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He is also a Certified Public Manager through the Advanced Public Executive Program at Arizona State University.

 An experienced educator, Greg has taught emergency medicine and fire science at local community colleges for over 32 years. His dedication to the profession was recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.

Greg’s professional affiliations include the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association. He has also contributed to his community through volunteer work, including time as a Valley Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

Email Chief Greg Ruiz 

 Areas of responsibility include: 

Fire Medical Rescue
Police
Community Health and Human Services Department