PRESS RELEASE
October 3, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
(510) 747-4714
City Appoints New Fire Chief
Edmond Rodriguez, age 51, was named the City of Alameda’s new Fire Chief today. Rodriguez, who is expected to begin service to the City on November 13, 2017, assumes responsibility for a department of 111 positions, 104 sworn personnel, and a budget of $33.6 million. Rodriguez will be coming in at step 4 which represents an annual salary of $235,619. The appointment follows the retirement of Doug Long, who has served as Fire Chief since 2015.
“Chief Rodriguez brings exemplary skills to the Alameda community, and he has a strong track record of leadership and innovation,” noted City Manager Jill Keimach. “The City conducted a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process, and Chief Rodriguez was the clear choice for this vitally important public safety position.”
Chief Rodriguez has 29 years of experience in the fire service and has been serving as Fire Chief for the City of Salinas since 2012. In Salinas, he supervised a staff of 101 sworn and civilian personnel, administered a budget of $21 million, and oversaw a complete rebuild of that organization; he has also served twice as President of the Monterey County Fire Chief’s Association. Prior to joining the City of Salinas, Rodriguez served the City of Stockton for over 24 years, most recently as the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations; he has also served as a Flight Nurse/Paramedic for Medi-Flight of Modesto and California Shock Trauma Rescue (Calstar).
In 2007 at the City of Stockton, Rodriguez was instrumental in bringing the Rescue Systems II Site Coordinator and planner from the State of California, Level II Haz/Mat training Site Coordinator and planner and Flood and Swift Water rescue coordinator from the State of California. He currently sits on the California Fire Chiefs Association, Northern Section EMS Subcommittee, and is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Rodriguez has proven skills in water rescue, tactical paramedic programs, and has been a strong voice at the State and County level in support of local ambulance transport cities (like Alameda). He is a long-time instructor and mentor to facilitate the upward movement of quality firefighters into leadership positions within the department.
“I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the City of Alameda’s next Fire Chief,” said Rodriguez. “I will work tirelessly with community members, labor, City leadership, and City staff to ensure Alameda provides the highest level of fire and life-safety services in the Bay Area.”
Alameda Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer welcomed the announcement, noting, “I look forward to working with Ed Rodriguez and welcome him to our City as our next Fire Chief. I am pleased that our City Manager was able to find such a highly qualified candidate for the position. I also think it’s notable that he will be our first person of color to serve in this leadership capacity. I applaud our City Manager’s efforts to have an open process that attracted highly qualified candidates within the larger Bay Area. Moving forward, I am hopeful that Rodriguez and our City Manager will work with our current workforce to provide training and support for upward mobility.”
Rodriguez has earned a Master’s Degree in Fire Leadership Service, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, and an Associate Degree in Nursing; he is a California Certified Fire Chief and a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program; he is a licensed registered nurse and certified paramedic.
