In a significant move marking his first major appointment since taking office, Mayor Daniel Lurie has signaled a new era for the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) by naming Battalion Chief Dean Crispen as the new fire chief. The announcement, as reported by the San Francisco Fire Department, appoints the 34-year department sage to the helm, succeeding interim chief Sandy Tong, the first Asian American and first paramedic chief to lead the department.
MAYOR DANIEL LURIE NAMES BATTALION CHIEF DEAN CRISPEN AS NEW FIRE CHIEF
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) January 10, 2025
With More Than Three Decades of Experience, Dean Crispen Brings Dedication and Expertise to the San Francisco Fire Department
SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor Daniel Lurie today named highly decorated, 34-year… pic.twitter.com/sJRjXlXHDx
Bringing substantial experience to the fore, Crispen's illustrious career has seen him captain stations in Chinatown, North Beach, and SOMA and as a battalion chief to some of the busiest stations in the nation. A native San Franciscan with strong city and family ties, his background is as diverse as it is impressive, with a mother who immigrated from Nicaragua and a father who served as captain of the SFFD Arson Squad, according to SF Chronicle.
Expectations for Crispen are high, as Mayor Lurie entrusts him with leading the firefighting battalions and overseeing emergency preparedness and public safety initiatives. Mayor Lurie expressed in his inaugural address the city's commitment to aid regions battling devastating flames like those in Southern California. The memorandum of Crispen's appointment underlines the mayor's vision for a safer and cleaner San Francisco. “With over 34 years of distinguished experience serving our city, Chief Crispen will lead the San Francisco Fire Department with the same compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication that have defined his entire career,” Mayor Lurie affirmed, as per the San Francisco Fire Department.
