San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie names Dean Crispen as new fire chief
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie on Friday named Battalion Chief Dean Crispen as the city's new fire chief.
Lurie, who was sworn in as mayor on Wednesday, had an opening for the leader of the San Francisco Fire Department after former chief Jeanine Nicholson retired in August. Sandra Tong was serving as interim chief before the selection of Crispen as the new permanent chief.
Crispen has been with SFFD for 34 years and is the 27th chief in the department's history, according to the mayor's office. He has been the captain of fire stations in Chinatown, North Beach and the South of Market neighborhood and has been recognized for bravery for the rescue of people from fires in the Tenderloin, Lurie's office said.
He also was part of SFFD's response to New York City to assist in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
"Chief Crispen will lead the San Francisco Fire Department with the same compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication that have defined his entire career," Lurie said in a statement. "Whether as a first responder, an advocate for underserved populations, or a leader fostering collaboration, he has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to meet challenges with both strength and empathy."
Crispen is a native San Francisco whose father is a retired captain of the SFFD Arson Squad and whose mother immigrated to the U.S. from Nicaragua at the age of 12, according to the mayor's office.
"My number one goal as chief of the department is to safeguard the health and safety of all members of the San Francisco Fire Department and all San Franciscans," Crispen said in a statement. "We are implementing Mayor Lurie's vision for a safer, cleaner San Francisco and will continue to collaborate with other departments to ensure citizens are receiving the best public safety services."
