City of Downey, CA
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The Fire Administrative Division, located on the first floor of City Hall, is responsible for providing overall control and direction of the organization. In addition to providing administrative support to all Divisions, Fire Administration prepares and coordinates the Department’s budget; acts as the liaison with Human Resources for recruitment, promotions and performance appraisals; oversees payroll functions; and reviews, prepares and presents staff reports to City Staff and Council members. The current staffing in the administrative division is the Fire Chief, his Executive Secretary, and one Administrative Assistant.
Mission Statement
The dedicated men and women of the Downey Fire Department strive to deliver the highest quality of service to the expanding needs of our community.
We will safely and aggressively prevent or minimize the loss of life and property through our combined professional efforts.
Fire Chief Anthony Hildebrand
Fire Chief Anthony Hildebrand grew up locally, attending St. John Bosco High School. He went on to study Chemistry at Santa Clara University. A brief career as a chemical engineer followed, focusing on hazardous materials handling and storage. In 2002, Anthony chose to change career paths and made the decision to pursue a career in the fire service. After attending El Camino Fire Academy, the following year, he began as a firefighter with the Twentynine Palms Fire Department.
In October 2003, Anthony was hired with Downey Fire Department. He attended Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute and served as a paramedic until 2013. Anthony promoted to Fire Engineer in 2013. Then, in 2015, he promoted again to Captain, serving as an officer on engine and truck companies. In January 2021, Anthony was promoted to Assistant Chief. During his time as Assistant Chief, focused heavily on Fire Prevention to ensure Downey’s ongoing commitment to fire safety. Additionally, he oversaw the Emergency Medical Services Division, Professional Standards, and Grant Management.
Chief Hildebrand was sworn in as Downey’s 11th Fire Chief in January 2025. He intends to continue the legacy of the department, focusing on safety, service, and community engagement. Chief Hildebrand believes in fostering a strong community connection while serving with integrity, resilience, ownership, resilience, and professionalism.
Assistant Chief Dan Rasmussen
Dan Rasmussen has dedicated 19 years to the City of Downey. Before joining, he served as a Fire Cadet with the Glendale Fire Department and an Auxiliary Firefighter with the San Gabriel Fire Department.
Hired as a firefighter in January 2006, Dan spent three years in the role before his promotion to engineer in 2009. After another three years, he advanced to fire captain in 2012 and was promoted to battalion chief in 2021.
Dan has played a critical role in the fire department throughout his career. Before becoming assistant chief, he served as the operational battalion chief overseeing the A Platoon and led the Downey Fire Communications Center, Operations Division, Technology Division, and policy development.
Dan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Arizona and a Master’s in Leadership and Public Administration from Arizona State University. As Fire Marshall, he oversees the Fire Prevention Bureau, including arson investigations, inspections, hazardous material programs, and public education. Additionally, Dan directs the department's emergency medical services program, including the Tactical Emergency Medical Support Team and ambulance transportation services. He is currently assigned to fire administration at Downey City Hall.
Battalion Chiefs
Battalion Chief Sal Piscitelli
Battalion Chief Piscitelli brings over 25 years of experience with City of Downey Fire Department. Prior to his service with Downey, Sal began his fire-fighting experience as a Fire Explorer with the Pasadena Fire Department. Upon successful completion of the Rio Hondo Fire Academy in 1996, he began serving with the Downey Fire Department as an Auxiliary Firefighter.
Sal was appointed as a Firefighter in July 1998, where he diligently served for three years before his promotion to Engineer in 2002. He continued to develop in this role for nine years. In 2010, Sal promoted to Fire Captain, serving throughout the city during his fifteen-year tenure in that position. Through his continued drive for leadership and dedication, Sal promoted to Battalion Chief in January 2025.
Throughout his career, Sal has made significant contributions to the Downey Fire Department. He has held numerous key positions, including Training Officer, USAR Coordinator, California State Instructor for Fireground Safety and Survival, Wellness Coordinator, Arson Investigator, Apparatus Committee Lead, Operations Committee Member, California Incident Command Certification System Committee Member, and Fire Department Facilities Director. Sal has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development, actively assisting fellow firefighters in their pursuit of career advancement.
Sal holds a Bachelor's Degree from California State University, Northridge, and has achieved the California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer's Certification. He is also a graduate of the All American Fire Leadership Academy.
Currently, Sal serves as the "A" platoon Battalion Chief, overseeing Downey Fire Department’s Logistics section which includes facilities, apparatus and fleet Vehicles, Tools and Equipment, wellness, and safety.
Battalion Chief Jorge Villanueva
Jorge Villanueva grew up locally and attended Gahr High School in Cerritos. He graduated from Santa Ana College’s Basic Fire Academy in March of 2000. Immediately after his graduation, he began working for Care Ambulance, volunteering for the Riverside County Fire Department, and was an Explorer Advisor for the Costa Mesa Fire Department. He was quickly hired by the Downey Fire Department in November of 2000 and began his fire service career. Jorge soon became involved in the Downey Fire Department Explorer Program and enjoyed giving back to the cadets. He then attended Paramedic Training Institute while on probation in 2001 and served as Downey Fire Paramedic for 5 years. He promoted to Fire Engineer in December of 2007 and was focused on promoting to Fire Captain. Jorge was promoted to Fire Captain in September of 2009. He had a passion for training and soon after promoting became a Training Officer. Jorge has worked as a Fire Captain at all four of Downey’s fire stations and has experience as a Truck Captain as well. Prior to his promotion to Battalion Chief, he also served in an administrative role as the Administrative Training Coordinator. Jorge was one of the Downey Fire Department’s senior captains before he was announced as an Interim Battalion chief in August of 2021 before promoting to Battalion Chief in March of 2022. Battalion Chief Villanueva is a certified Task Force Leader and Strike Team Leader. He is currently assigned to the “B” platoon and oversees the Downey Fire Communications Center 9-1-1 operations, and technological advancements throughout the department.
Battalion Chief Peter Browne
Battalion Chief Peter Browne began his fire service career in July of 1998 as a firefighter with the Downey Fire Department. He immediately gave back to the department by taking over the department’s Fire Explorer program and still continues to teach, mentor and train the explorers each year during the annual California Fire Exploring Academy (this will be his 20th year volunteering). Many of the past and current explorers success is directly related to Pete’s dedication to this program.
In October of 2000, Pete was selected to attend paramedic training. He dedicated himself to the position by providing outstanding patient care until he was promoted to engineer in December 2008. As an engineer, Pete was responsible for the care and maintenance of his apparatus and responding personnel and equipment safely to and from emergencies.
Pete has taken on many other additional responsibilities which include Personal Protective Equipment, Served on the department uniform committee, Regional Training US&R representative, and Department Safety Committee member to better the organization and move it forward.
Pete promoted to captain in June of 2013. He was selected as a training officer in September of 2014 and was responsible for organizing and leading all training on the C-shift platoon. In 2018 Captain Browne was selected to a newly acquired forty hour-training coordinator position to assist in developing and scheduling department wide trainings. Peter Browne is the “C” platoon battalion chief.