Archived News Release from 2003 For Immediate
Release
Redwood City
Appoints New Fire Chief
Redwood City,
CA - June 26, 2003 - Redwood Concluding a thorough and exhaustive
search and evaluation process, Redwood City now has a new Fire Chief who
happens to be a Redwood City native and resident. Gerald Kohlmann has
been selected as the new Fire Chief and will assume that role on July
14, 2003.
Mr. Kohlmann is currently a Deputy Fire Chief for the San Jose Fire Department,
where he is responsible for administration of the day-to-day operations
of the Bureau of Field Operations, that department's largest bureau.
He has 15 battalion chiefs reporting to him, and a total of nearly 700
employees within his bureau. Since joining the San Jose Fire Department
in 1980, Mr. Kohlmann has also served as firefighter, fire inspector,
fire captain, and battalion chief. Mr. Kohlmann started as a volunteer
with the Redwood City Fire Department in 1975, then launched his career
in 1977 as a firefighter with the Redwood City Fire Department.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity to return to my hometown where
I began my fire fighting career, and assume a leadership role with this
department. It's a great fit for me and my family, and a real homecoming"
said Mr. Kohlmann. "I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to
work with the staff of the department and the City, as well as our community
to continue this tradition of excellence."
The position of Redwood City's fire chief was vacated over a year
ago when then-chief Ed Montez retired. Since then, Police Chief Carlos
Bolanos has filled-in as Interim Fire Chief.
"We're very fortunate to have Gerry coming on board"
said Ed Everett, City Manager. "His years of experience and well-honed
leadership skills are of the highest caliber, and he's ready to
take the Redwood City Fire Department to higher levels of excellence.
He'll be a great addition to the department, and will become an
even more involved member of the community."
The Redwood City Fire Department has five fire stations housing five engines
and one truck, and currently has over 70 staff members including firefighters,
firefighter/paramedics, captains and battalion chiefs, fire prevention
staff, training staff, and administrative staff. Visit Redwood City's
website at www.redwoodcity.org
for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation
programs, education, City government, and local business.
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Contact: Ed Everett
City Manager
(650) 780-7300
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