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City of San Luis Obispo
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Fire Chief John Callahan John Callahan
   Fire Chief

Winter Storm Preparedness Information

Storm
Preparedness

John Callahan was appointed Fire Chief for the City of San Luis Obispo in November, 2005.  Chief Callahan served the Los Angeles City Fire Department for over 32 years until he retired from that department in 2003.  As a Deputy Chief and Commander of Operations with LA City Fire, he held the second highest position in the Department.  During his career he managed the implementation of a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), acted as commander of the Fire Suppression and Rescue Bureau, and oversaw Disaster Preparedness, Communications and Dispatch, and In-Service training.  In addition he oversaw LA City Fire Department preparations for the 2000 Democratic National Convention and served as the Department's liaison with the Mayor and City Council.  Chief Callahan has extensive experience with major emergencies such as brush fires and earthquakes, both in preparedness and response.

Chief Callahan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Redlands, and a degree in Fire Technology.  He has also received extensive training from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program.  He has served as the Vice-President of the LA City Fire Department Chief Officers' Association and as Chair of the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and Cities of Los Angeles.  He has consulted in the area of public safety since 2004 with clients throughout the United States.

Since being appointed, Chief Callahan has been instrumental in completing a Fire Department master plan, approval for new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and a 100' aerial ladder truck.  He also has served as the San Luis Obispo County Chiefs President and oversees the County's Critical Incident Stress Team.  He is on the YMCA board.

Dear Residents and Visitors,

Thank you for visiting the website of the San Luis Obispo Fire Department. The men and women of this department recognize our responsibility to help ensure the safety of all the people in our city.  We look at public service as a privilege and value the trust we are given by the people we serve. 

For more than 130 years, our Department has worked hard to adapt and change as the challenges to the fire service have changed. We have now moved into the 21st century and provide a full-service fire department to a very special community.  I believe our greatest asset is our team of employees who consistently go above and beyond in delivering vital services.

As your Fire Chief, I take it as my personal responsibility to make this city as safe as possible through Suppression, Emergency Medical Service, Prevention and Public Education.  I encourage you to browse through our web pages, especially the “Disaster Prep” pages, to see the work of this highly respected department. Through a partnership with the people of the City of San Luis Obispo, we intend to make this unique city an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit.
        

John Callahan, Fire Chief

Mission Statement

We shall protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of our City from the adverse effects of fires, medical emergencies and other dangers caused by man or nature. We shall fulfill our mission with Courtesy & Service by motivated, productive individuals who value their profession, co-workers and the community they proudly serve.

We value:

  • Our People
  • Straightforward Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Getting Results
  • Creativity, Risk Taking, Initiative
  • Tough Decisions
  • Our Traditions

Respectful Behavior

We commit to treat co-workers in a manner that most people would desire and consider acceptable. Respect, dignity, honesty, compassion, understanding, and trust are fundamental to the health of the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department.

“Courtesy & Service”

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