City names new fire chief

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg City Manager Nikki Messenger has chosen Assistant Fire Chief Tyler Christopherson to lead the Roseburg Fire Department.

Chief Christopherson replaces Fire Chief Monte Bryan, who retired June 30. The promotion to Fire Chief took effect Tuesday, Nov. 1.

“I’m pleased to introduce Tyler as the new Fire Chief. His depth and breadth of knowledge and dedication are a true asset to the organization,” Messenger said. “He is a great addition to the management team and I look forward to working with him as he leads the department into the future.”

Chief Christopherson had served as Assistant Fire Chief since March 1 and had worked as a Battalion Chief since 2020. He was born and raised in Eugene. He began his fire service career by joining Santa Clara Fire District in Eugene as a volunteer Firefighter in 1998, shortly after graduating from Churchill High School. He earned an Associate degree in Fire Science from Chemeketa Community College in Salem in December 2000.

Chief Christopherson joined the Roseburg Fire Department as a Firefighter in January 2006. He served in all department positions including Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief of Operations. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University in 2019.

In his free time, Chief Christopherson enjoys traveling and spending time with his beautiful wife, Autumn; their three children and two dogs. His years of experience, calm demeanor, team attitude and knowledge of the fire service are expected to serve him well in his new role as Fire Chief. He brings to the organization a culture of safety and leadership that will be valuable as both the City of Roseburg and Roseburg Fire Department grow and transition in the future.

Messenger also thanked retired Fire Chief Gary Garrisi for serving in an interim capacity since Friday, July 1.

“We would like to thank Chief Garrisi, who graciously stepped out of retirement to assist while the City of Roseburg conducted a search for a new Fire Chief," she said.

Please join the City and Roseburg Fire Department in wishing Chief Christopherson great success in his new position.