San Diego Launches Recruitment for New Fire Chief
Today the City of San Diego is launching a nationwide search for a new Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, including a public survey and community forums to gather feedback from San Diegans. Chief Colin Stowell, who is San Diego’s 18th fire chief, joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) in 1988, and has served the City of San Diego for 34 years. He recently announced he will be retiring in August 2024.
“Chief Colin Stowell's dedication and service to the City has been invaluable, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "As we search for a new Fire Chief, we’ll be gathering community input to ensure we find candidates who reflect the values and priorities of our City. I encourage all San Diegans to participate and help us identify an effective leader who’ll work hard to continue to keep San Diegans safe."
Two community meetings are planned in early April to allow San Diegans the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions about the qualities and characteristics they desire in the City’s next Fire Chief. For those unable to attend one of the community meetings in person, an online survey is available.
Meetings will be held on the following dates, times and locations:
- Wednesday, April 3, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr.
- Thursday, April 4, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Kearny Mesa Recreation Center, 3170 Armstrong St.
Community members who are interested in participating in the meetings are encouraged to RSVP online; however, an RSVP is not required to attend. Language interpretation and accessibility services will be available during the meetings upon request.
Candidates for the job will undergo a series of interviews, including a stakeholder interview conducted by a panel of community leaders nominated by City Councilmembers and Mayor Gloria. Candidate selection is anticipated in June 2024 with final interviews scheduled for May.
Information about the recruitment process and timeline will be shared on the City’s Fire Chief recruitment webpage. The City has contracted with Bob Murray & Associates, an executive recruitment firm, to lead the recruitment process.