Bob Horton has officially joined the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) as the new Wildfire & Policy Branch Chief, marking a new chapter in his 24-year career in fire service. Horton, whose professional journey began with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, announced the news on LinkedIn, where he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve at a national level. “On October 20, 2024, which is 24 years to the day when I started my firefighting career with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, I began my new venture having been sworn in by our incredible U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, as the Wildfire & Policy Branch Chief for the U.S. Fire Administration,” Horton wrote. “I am honored to join the team of dedicated professionals working to advance the mission of the USFA and FEMA; supporting our fire service members and working to enhance the safety of our communities through strategic and integrated risk reduction.”
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, welcomed Horton to the USFA team, noting the importance of his role in a time of growing wildfire risks across the country. “U.S. Fire Administration welcomes our Wildfire policy branch chief Bob Horton. He brings a wealth of wildfire expertise and we are excited to have him engaged at the national level,” she commented.
As Wildfire & Policy Branch Chief, Horton’s responsibilities include providing leadership and strategic direction within the branch and serving as a Senior Advisor on wildfire and risk reduction issues to the U.S. Fire Administrator and other government leaders. In this capacity, he will focus on improving wildfire response strategies and enhancing resilience through evidence-based policy initiatives. His role involves close collaboration with both the executive and legislative branches to advocate for and implement measures aimed at reducing wildfire risks and improving safety for communities across the U.S.
Beyond his work with the USFA, Horton is a faculty member at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry and the College of Southern Nevada, where he contributes to the academic field by teaching courses in wildfire policy, risk communication, and community risk reduction. His academic and practical expertise places him in a unique position to address both the immediate and systemic challenges posed by wildfire threats, drawing from over two decades of on-the-ground experience.
Prior to joining the USFA, Horton served as the Chief Executive Officer and Fire Chief for Jackson County Fire District 3 in Southern Oregon. He previously held a variety of positions with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, including Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Captain, and Firefighter/Paramedic. His career in public safety is complemented by his research and applied knowledge in behavioral economics, public policy, and community risk management—fields in which he has focused on evaluating program effectiveness and addressing policy-relevant issues.