South San Francisco Welcomes New Fire Chief Gerry Kohlmann

South San Francisco, CA January 4, 2015 Submitted by City of South San Francisco

SSF Welcomes our new Fire Chief Gerry Kohlmann

After a five-month, nationwide search, South San Francisco has selected Gerald Kohlmann as the City’s new Fire Chief. Chief Kohlmann brings 32 years of experience as a firefighter to the City, working his way up the ranks from Firefighter to Deputy Fire Chief of the San Jose Fire Department, and then Fire Chief of the Redwood City Fire Department. As Chief, he will direct all activities involving the City’s innovative all-risk fire department, leading three key divisions and 90 members of the South San Francisco Fire Department in fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, urban search and rescue, rescue boat, code enforcement, fire investigation, public education, and basic life support transport services.

“To be part of the South San Francisco Fire Department and be a member of the South San Francisco management team presented a unique opportunity. I had known of South San Francisco’s innovative past, but after providing training to department personnel and then hearing Chief Bill Reilly’s enthusiasm about the Fire Department’s future, I was very motivated to seek the fire chief’s position,” said Chief Kohlmann. “The dynamic nature of South San Francisco, the scope of services provided by Fire Department personnel, and the opportunity to be part of Team SSF made this an opportunity not to pass up.”

In addition to working in the public sector, Chief Kohlmann also brings private sector experience as a consultant and as a Senior Public Safety Specialist with PG&E where he taught Incident Command Courses, developed emergency response plans, and worked with local public safety agencies on emergency response training.

“I am pleased with the selection of Gerry Kohlmann as our new Fire Chief,” said Mayor Richard Garbarino. “The experience that he brings to the position will keep the South San Francisco Fire Department one of the finest in the County. I want to thank Chief Bill Reilly for his service and for helping with the transition.”

Chief Kohlmann succeeds Interim Fire Chief Bill Reilly as the City’s fire chief. Since July, Chief Reilly has led the Fire Department while the City actively recruited for a permanent fire chief.

“I am very pleased to see Chief Kohlmann take command of the South San Francisco Fire Department,” said Chief Reilly. “Having known him for many years, I am secure in the fact that he will be an outstanding role model for the organization and a great asset for Team South San Francisco.”

With the selection of a new fire chief, Chief Reilly will officially transfer command of the Fire Department to Chief Kohlmann during the Change of Command Ceremony on Wednesday, January 7 at Fire Station 61, 480 N. Canal St, in South San Francisco. The event is open to the public and will begin at 10:00 AM.

For more information, please contact the Fire Department at (650) 829-3950.