San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Robert Logan II as the city's new Fire-Rescue Chief, following a national three-month search process. Announced today, Logan, a dedicated servant with over two decades of service, will step into the role previously held by Fire Chief Colin Stowell. "Over his 24 years of service, Deputy Chief Logan has risen through the ranks of our department and demonstrated not only a profound understanding of the complexities of fire-rescue operations but also a deep commitment to our community and the welfare of our Fire-Rescue employees," Mayor Gloria said, according to the City of San Diego.
Logan, having been a part of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department since starting his career as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1999, grew up in Council District 4. Having served as the Deputy Fire Chief overseeing Employee Services, his role covered managing six divisions such as recruitment and training. In this role he dealt with, the community positively impacted the department by fostering valuable relations, with programs designed to introduce high school students to fire service careers and being a proactive member of "Women In Fire," which is a national organization supporting women in fire and emergency services.
"I am deeply honored and grateful to be appointed by Mayor Gloria to be our city’s next Fire Chief," Logan stated, per the City of San Diego. He further emphasized his journey and intentions, stating, "Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that shaped my resolve, resilience, commitment to service, and a profound understanding of our community’s needs and realities."
The appointment comes on the heels of a comprehensive search that saw 70 applicants and culminated in community forums and an online survey that lasted for six weeks. Joined by councilmembers Henry Foster and Marni von Wilpert, along with the current Fire Chief Colin Stowell, Mayor Gloria announced Logan's appointment at City Hall. Stowell, ready to retire after more than three decades, voiced his full confidence in Logan to continue the department's legacy, saying as per the City of San Diego, "Chief Logan has earned the respect of our members as well as community stakeholders, and brings a wealth of SDFD experience and institutional knowledge critical to his success as the next Fire Chief."
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, with a budget of $467 million for Fiscal Year 2025, is a cornerstone of public safety in the city. The appointment of Deputy Chief Logan to the position of Fire Chief is expected to be confirmed by the City Council in the upcoming July hearing. By taking the reins of the department, Logan is set to manage a vast network of personnel and resources that includes over 1,210 uniformed Fire-Rescue personnel and a wide array of emergency and business operations.
