Chief Randy Karrer was appointed Fire Chief of Golder Ranch Fire District in February of 2010. He began his career in 1980 working his way through the fire department ranks with Northwest Fire District and Drexel Heights Fire District in Tucson Arizona. Chief Karrer is very active thorough out the State in a variety of capacities. Chief Karrer was appointed by Governor Jan Brewer to the State Fire Safety Committee from 2012 to 2016.
He also serves as the Facilitator of the Arizona Fire Services Institute that represents the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association, Professional Firefighters of Arizona, Volunteer Firefighters Association of Arizona and Arizona Fire Districts Association. He has also served on the Arizona Fire District Association (AFDA) Board of Directors 2009 – 2018 and was the Chairman of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) Mutual Aid committee from 2002 -2017 currently serving as vice-chair. Additionally, Chief Karrer has a passion for instruction, serving as an instructor for the Arizona State Fire School since 1994 and serving on the Arizona State Training Committee since 2008.
Chief Karrer has received multiple awards and recognition for his service and expertise. In 2007 he received the Richard Carmona “Leadership Above and Beyond Award” from the Greater Tucson Leadership Council. In 2008 he received a Certificate of Commendation from the American Legion for his continued community service efforts. In 2013 he was awarded the “Chief Fire Officer of the Year” by the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.
In 2015, Chief Karrer received the “Patriot Award” from the United States Secretary of Defense for his support of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Most recently in 2017, Chief Karrer was appointed Honorary Commander for the 355th Civil Engineers Squadron at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. In 2017 he received “Innovation in the work place” Leadership Award from the Society for Human Resource Management.
Chief Karrer holds a Bachelors Degree in Fire Service Management from Arizona State University and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Pima Community College. In 2009, he was awarded Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing and is currently accredited. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program at the National Fire Academy.