Paso Robles News|Friday, March 29, 2024
You are here: Home » Top Stories » Keith Aggson chosen to lead San Luis Obispo Fire Department
  • Follow Us!

Keith Aggson chosen to lead San Luis Obispo Fire Department 

Keith Aggson

Keith Aggson.

–San Luis Obispo City Fire Department Deputy Chief Keith Aggson has been selected to lead the department as chief, effective March 7. Aggson has held the interim role since Garret Olson retired in October 2018.

Throughout his more than 30-year fire service career, Chief Aggson has held leadership roles in fire departments across San Luis Obispo County. Beginning his career as a firefighter/paramedic in 1990 with the Atascadero City Department, Aggson was promoted through the ranks, served as the Interim Fire Chief for the Templeton Community Services District, and then spent two years with the Paso Robles City Fire Department as Battalion Chief of Operations and serving as their Fire Marshal. He was hired by the City of San Luis Obispo as Deputy Fire Chief in January of 2017. His combined fire service experience throughout San Luis Obispo County coupled with his certifications as an incident officer on large fires throughout California made him uniquely qualified to lead the department.

Chief Aggson went through a rigorous evaluation process that consisted of regional fire chiefs along with community partners and members and serving as the Interim Fire Chief since November 2018.

“I look forward to continuing my fire service career in the City of San Luis Obispo,” said Aggson. “I am excited for the opportunity to continue to guide the department into the future as our community evolves and grows.”

The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department is an all-risk service and all hazards organization that protects the lives and property of its residents and visitors from the adverse effects of fires, medical emergencies and other dangers caused by man or nature. Four stations staff two three-person ALS engine companies, a three-person ALS quint, and a four-person ALS tractor drawn tiller truck. Personnel are led by a shift battalion chief who responds from Station One.

As Deputy Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo, Aggson’s role has been to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct emergency and non-emergency daily activities of the organization and provide direction and support emergency scene operations on major incidents. He has also assisted in the development, execution and management of department financial resources and initiated planning and development of the department’s five-year Strategic Plan.

“The choice to have Keith fill the role is a great step for our community,” said City Manager Derek Johnson. “He’s been an integral part of the department over the last two years and brings a vast knowledge of firefighting expertise from his work with other Central Coast departments. The City will benefit from his leadership, operational expertise, outside experience, and familiarity with the region and City.”

Aggson lives in Templeton with his wife Jessica. His annual base salary will be $166,244.

Share To Social Media

Comments

About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.