Acting Fire Chief TJ McGovern speaking at a podium

Leading with Commitment

Our executive team is devoted to upholding the organization’s mission of protecting lives, property, and the community we serve. With steadfast leadership and a commitment to excellence, they guide every effort to ensure safety and resilience across Orange County.

Cheyne Maule

Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Operations Training

Chief Maule began his fire service career as an OCFA Fire Explorer in 1996 before joining the Garden Grove Fire Department (GGFD) as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 2004. While ascending the GGFD ranks — first to Captain and then to Battalion Chief — he served as the department’s EMS/Paramedic coordinator; taught the Fire Captains promotional process; and implemented the first fitness/wellness program in the department’s 93-year history. Since GGFD transitioned to the OCFA in 2019, Chief Maule has held several leadership positions, including: Battalion Chief of Air Operations, where he co-led the acquisition of OCFA’s new FIREHAWKS; Division Chief of Division 3, overseeing operations across five cities and unincorporated South Orange County; President of the Chief Officers Association; and Co-Chair of the Apparatus Committee.

Chief Maule’s Incident Management Team experience includes serving as Incident Commander (IC) or Liaison Officer during several major emergencies, including the Airport Fire (IC), the Cooks Corner mass shooting (IC), and the GKN Aerospace hazardous materials incident.

Chief Maule is a graduate of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Leadership in Action program and holds a Chief Fire Officer Certification from the California State Fire Marshal, a Certificate of Network Leadership from the Mission Critical Teams Institute, an associate degree in Fire Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management.

Chief Maule resides in San Clemente with his wife, Jennifer, and their three sons.

Back to Executive Teams