Alameda County Fire Chief Named 2011 Fire Chief of the Year

From the Alameda County Fire Department

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert was announced as the Ronny Jack Coleman Fire Chief of the Year by the California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) during its annual conference in Riverside.

Named after retired State Fire Marshal Ronny Jack Coleman, the CFCA Ronny Jack Coleman Fire Chief of the Year Award was created in 2000 to recognize an outstanding member of the fire service leadership community.

With a membership that spans throughout California’s 58 counties, the award highlights an individual that is a role model for all fire chiefs in the state.

“Chief Gilbert’s demonstration of creativity, dynamic leadership in challenging economic times and sound vision has benefited the California fire service as a whole,” said CFCA President and ACFD Deputy Chief, Demetrious Shaffer.  “This prestigious award puts him in an elite group of fire chiefs who have made a significant impact on the California fire service’s ability to meet the unique risks and challenges that are present within California.”

Annually, CFCA members nominate and vote for fire chiefs who have displayed exemplary performance in training and education, fire service leadership and management, fire prevention, and community involvement.

The Ronny Jack Coleman Fire Chief of the Year Award is given to the Fire Chief that has exemplified the highest level of leadership and innovation resulting in contributions that have significantly enhanced the California fire service.

This award is held by only a few fire chiefs and places Chief Gilbert amongst an exclusive group of chiefs who have been selected in the state. 

“I am incredibly honored, humbled and thankful to receive this award from the California Fire Chiefs Association,” Chief Gilbert said. “I will do my best to live up to what the award is all about and continue the work of the amazing individuals who have received this award before me.”