Fremont Appoints Curtis P. Jacobson New Fire Chief

The City of Fremont has appointed Curtis P. Jacobson as its new Fire Chief following a nationwide search. Chief Jacobson joins Fremont with 25 years of fire protection service in his hometown of San Jose, including 18 years of experience in increasingly senior managerial and executive leadership. He has served as San Jose Fire Chief since 2015, with prior experience as Deputy Chief, Division Chief, and Battalion Chief in a variety of bureaus.

In his new position, Chief Jacobson will be responsible for 13 in-service fire companies, nearly 160 sworn and non-sworn department members, and an annual budget of $46.5 million. The department responds to approximately 17,500 calls each year.

Chief Jacobson has been recognized for effectively managing, supervising, evaluating, mentoring, and coaching personnel under his command and has extensive experience in emergency response, fire prevention, training, education, strategic support, and administration in public safety service. He also has a wide variety of experience in the fields of emergency management, hazardous materials management, public education, employee development, recruitment and selection, and dispute resolution.

Chief Jacobson holds a number of professional credentials and degrees, including completion of Harvard’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from San Jose State University, where he is also nearing completion on his MPA. An active community member, Chief Johnson serves as a Board Member of the San Jose Jazz Festival and is a member of the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Association and the Santa Clara County Black Firefighters Association. Congrats Chief!!