David Rudat — who made his mark in San Joaquin County helping get Stockton’s Fire Department back on course as an interim fire chief 13 years ago — has accepted a similar positions with the City of Manteca.

Rudat is taking over as Manteca’s interim fire chief on Feb. 3 following the retirement of Fire Chief Dave Margues whose 28-year career with the department was lauded Tuesday by the Manteca City Council.

City Manager Toni Lundgren appointed Rudat as interim fire chief while the City recruits for a permanent chief. 

“I am confident that Interim Chief Rudat will uphold the Manteca Fire Department’s commitment to excellence and public safety,” Lundgren said. “His experience and leadership will help us achieve key goals and continue to improve fire services for our community.”

Rudat brings over 30 years of fire service experience to his new role.

 He has worked his way up the ranks and served as a Fire Chief and City Manager in the City of Orange, 23 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

His rise through the ranks of the Orange Fire Department by focusing on emergency response, team development, public safety initiatives, while honoring the traditions and cultures of the fire service. 

In this position, he will oversee department operations, drive strategic initiatives, and strengthen collaboration with city officials, regional partners, and community members. 

“I am honored to step into this role and continue building on the foundation Chief Marques established,” Ruda said. “My priorities include ensuring seamless fire service, fostering teamwork, and achieving strategic goals that will benefit the community.”

Rudat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Long Beach State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

He has also served as an interim city manager or fire chief for various California jurisdictions since retiring from Orange.

Marques was Manteca’s 12th fire chief since the city transitioned from a volunteer to a full time department in 1958.

He was hired in 1996, was promoted to battalion chief in 2011, and was elevated to fire chief in November of 2021.

During his 15-month tenure as interim fire chief in Stockton, Rudat took the reins of a department that had exceeded its budget for four consecutive years, wasn't adequately tracking its inventory and grant purchases, and was reeling from staffing cuts.