Bend Fire & Rescue Names Drew Whyte Deputy Chief Of Prevention, Fire Marshal (Photo) - 04/28/26

Bend Fire & Rescue has named Drew Whyte as the new deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal.

Whyte joins the department with 29 years of fire service experience. He began his career in 1998 as a firefighter/EMT with the Austin Fire Department in Texas. In 2001, he joined the San Jose Fire Department in California, where he served in multiple roles, including firefighter/paramedic, fire inspector, acting assistant fire marshal and arson investigator.

Whyte retired from San Jose Fire in 2024 and most recently served as assistant fire chief and fire marshal for the City of Berkeley Fire Department in California.

He holds a Master of Science in forensic science from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in communications from Vermont State University.

As Bend Fire & Rescue’s deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal, Whyte leads the Fire Prevention Division and oversees community risk reduction efforts, including code enforcement, plan review, public education and fire investigations. He also supports major incident operations and serves as acting fire chief when needed.

“I believe wholeheartedly that having a robust fire prevention program can save lives, and my top priority in this role is maintaining the expectation that fire code is followed so Bend’s residents, visitors, businesses and firefighters are safe,” Whyte said.

“Chief Whyte brings exceptional leadership and deep fire prevention expertise to our organization,” Fire Chief Todd Riley said. “His experience in complex urban environments and commitment to community risk reduction will strengthen our Prevention Division and enhance the safety and resilience of Bend’s growing community.”

Whyte began his new assignment in February. He has purchased a home in Bend and is working to relocate his family in time to experience a Central Oregon summer.