Anderson Named Gilroy Fire Chief

Alan Anderson, who has held the title of Gilroy's interim fire chief since late-September 2012, has been hired as fire chief. 

In addition to the official title, Anderson will earn an annual salary of $158,100 plus benefits, according to a city news release. The new position is effective today, April 23. 

Anderson replaced former Gilroy Fire Chief Roger Bloom, who resigned after he was cited in Santa Cruz County for buying alcohol for a minor. He was caught in an underage drinking sting performed by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, Patch previously reported. 

Anderson was hired as chief following an "extensive outreach, interview and background process," according to the release. He was interim chief while staff went through a full recruitment process to find Gilroy's next fire chief. 

“Chief Anderson brings excellent administrative, emergency management, and fire ground experience to the position having served at three different fire agencies over the course of his thirty year career," City Administrator Tom Haglund said in the release. "He has done a very good job leading the Gilroy Fire Department over the last six months and I have gained a lot of confidence in his ability to handle the job and ensure that the department is meeting the current and future needs of the community.” 

Anderson's firefighting career included roles with the cities of San Jose and Union City and with Cal Fire. 

“Gilroy firefighters are known throughout the region for delivering quality customer care," he said in the release. "I look forward to continuing that level of quality and enhancing it through various initiatives."

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