PINETOP-LAKESIDE — The Pinetop Fire District has announced a leadership transition as longtime Fire Chief Jim Morgan is out after 12 years of service, and Joshua Livermore steps into the role as the district’s new fire chief. This leadership change signals a swift executive decision that had been boiling over for months and finally came to a close on May 25.
Morgan officially retired on May 25, 2026, after serving 12 years as chief of the Pinetop Fire District. The district announced Morgan’s retirement and Livermore’s appointment in separate press releases issued.
The district’s press release thanked Morgan for his 12 years of service in several capacities.
Livermore’s selection was made by the Pinetop Fire District Governing Board during an executive session conducted with the district’s legal representative. Executive sessions are closed to the public under Arizona law and are commonly used to discuss personnel matters and receive legal advice.
The special board meeting on May 5th seemed to indicate that the board would replace Morgan after several months of seeking a new fire chief. Then, on May 18th, another executive session was held, signaling that legal counsel was involved in employment decisions regarding Morgan.
In the March 17, 2026, board minutes, Morgan was vying for a consulting position with the district: “Mrs. Webber made the motion to authorize Mr. Whittington (district attorney) to develop an extension and consulting agreement and a grant writing agreement as directed in executive session.” The motion passed 5-0. The vote appeared to position Morgan to remain with the district in a consulting capacity.
However, Morgan retired in full on May 25, 2026, ushering in a new era of leadership.
A firefighter at Pinetop Fire District told Mountain Daily Star that this leadership change was desperately needed and that it’s an exciting time for the district. The comment indicates that this leadership change is welcomed by the personnel who serve Pinetop’s taxpayers.
Livermore brings more than 25 years of fire service experience to the position and most recently served as Assistant Chief for Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District. There, he led the administrative division and oversaw community outreach, public information, human resources, finance, grants and accreditation, fire prevention, and community risk reduction programs.
A fourth-generation firefighter, Livermore began his career as a reserve firefighter and advanced through every rank before ultimately serving as an operations chief. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in emergency response, organizational leadership, and strategic management.
The district highlighted Livermore’s experience in finance, accreditation, grant management, and organizational development as key qualifications for his leadership of the department.
Livermore is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and holds the Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.
“I am excited about the future of the Pinetop Fire District and the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated team,” Livermore said in the district’s announcement. “I am honored and humbled to be part of the PFD family and the Pinetop community.”
Livermore and his wife, Rebecca, have been married since 2002 and are the parents of four children. The family also enjoys spending time with their grandson and is anticipating the arrival of another grandson later this year.
The leadership transition marks a significant change for the district as Livermore takes the helm and begins guiding the organization into its next chapter of service to the residents of Pinetop-Lakeside and the White Mountains.
We have high hopes for Pinetop Fire District; we have high hopes for you, Chief Livermore.
