City Manager Howard Chan announced the appointment of Gary Loesch as Sacramento Fire Department’s 22nd Fire Chief. Chief Loesch began his career in 1985 with the City of Philadelphia, where he worked his way up through the ranks.
Chief Loesch’s fire protection career spans 32 years of service. He is most recently the Deputy Fire Commissioner with the City of Philadelphia, where he currently commands over 2,700 EMS and fire personnel serving the fifth-largest City in our nation.
“I am confident that Chief Loesch will bring his significant experience to bear to move the Fire Department forward,” Chan said.
“He has a demonstrated track record of finding new and innovative solutions to improving service delivery, which is critical given the evolving nature of the fire service.”
Mayor Darrell Steinberg said he was pleased that Sacramento has hired a new Fire Chief with big-city experience.
“Chief Loesch has a reputation for strong leadership and an even temperament. Those skills will benefit our city as we continue to grow while maintaining excellent service for our residents.”
Chief Loesch will assume his new position on Monday, October 1, 2018.
The Sacramento Fire Department currently has 681 budgeted positions with an operating budget of $118 million. The Department operates 24 fire stations from which it deploys 24 engine companies, nine truck companies, 15 ambulances, a rescue company, three swift water rescue teams, and two hazmat response teams.