Crime & Safety

Alameda County Fire Chief To Retire

By Vanessa Castañeda/Patch

Alameda County Fire Chief Demetrious Shaffer announced he will retire this year, so he can spend more time with his family.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors appointed Shaffer to the position in December 2012 to officially replace Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert. Shaffer had been doing the job since June as the Interim Fire Chief. 

Shaffer started his career as a Mountain View firefighter, later becoming the City of Newark's Fire Chief in 2005. He joined the county’s staff in 2010, which is the year the City of Newark began outsourcing fire services to the county. During his 18 month tenure, Shaffer identified operational efficiencies within the department that improved its ability to provide emergency services, according to a Guy Ashley, chief communications officer for Alameda County.  

His colleagues said he was a major asset to the team. 

“The Board of Supervisors extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Shaffer for his vision, leadership and professionalism,” said Board President Keith Carson.  “He will be missed as a key member of the County’s executive leadership team and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Carson said.

The Alameda County Fire Department responds to emergencies in Newark, Union City, San Leandro, Dublin, Emeryville, the Lawrence Berkeley and Livermore laboratories, as well as the unincorporated areas of the county. 


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