Gilbert's own Fire Chief Rob Duggan was recognized with the 2024 Gilbert Leadership Alumni Award at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce's annual shindig. An event that tips its hat to the standouts leaders and selfless volunteers shaping the local landscape, according to an announcement on the town's official website.
In the race to honor local luminaries, Duggan sprinted past the finish line due to his staunch adherence to the program’s principles and his unwavering commitment to enhancing community ties, Sarah Watts, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, showered the chief with accolades saying "Since graduating Class 25, Rob Duggan has obtained a master’s degree in public policy through Park University, completed the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy, was promoted to Fire Chief, and has continued to focus on building relationships, both within his department and the organization and throughout the community."
Duggan has been the leading man at the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department since July last year, and under his wing, the GFRD has soared, landing the Certified Autism Center designation which nods to the fact that 80% or more of staff members have been trained to effectively communicate and respond to individuals with autism.
Boasting a robust career of 25 years with the department, Duggan has been instrumental in spearheading various essential divisions such as Data & Technology, Employee Wellness, Fire Resource, Community Risk Reduction, Fire Prevention, and Training which speaks to his comprehensive approach in safeguarding the folk of Gilbert, not only has he been a pillar of the firefighting brigade, but he's also been a genuine Gilbert local since the year 2002, laying down roots with his family.
