A life-long resident of Yolo County, Chief Chandler began his fire service career in 1962, when he started responding to vehicle accidents with his father, Herbert W. Chandler, and other members of Yolo County Heavy Rescue. 

In January 1968, Chief Chandler joined the UC Davis Fire Department as a resident firefighter and went on to graduate from UCDavis in 1972, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics and Business Management. 

Chief Chandler remained with the UC Davis Fire Department, promoting through the ranks, and was appointed Fire Chief in November 1995. He retired from the University in November 2003. 

In December 2003, the Chief was asked to assist the Rumsey Indian Rancheria in building their state-of-the-art fire department. He served as a consultant to the Tribe until May 2004, when he was appointed Fire Chief.