- BRIAN JOHNSON was named structural fire branch chief for the National Park Service Division of Fire and Aviation Management. He succeeds Hal Spencer, who retired earlier this year. As branch chief, Johnson will provide leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of strategic efforts toward structural fire management for the National Park Service. Since December 2008, Johnson has served as the prevention program manager for the Structural Fire Branch within the same division. Prior to coming to the National Park Service office at the National Interagency Fire Center, he served as fire chief for the Marine Corps Bases’ Japan Fire Department. He also previously worked as a fire inspector and emergency services coordinator at Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California.
- BRIAN CRIMMINS was sworn in as the provisional chief of the Hoboken (NJ) Fire Department (HFD). Crimmins, a battalion chief who has been with the HFD since 2004 and ranked No. 1 on the battalion fire chief promotional list, will serve at least until early 2018, when a new fire chief test is administered. Crimmins replaces Anton Peskens, who was the city’s provision chief since June 2015. Cimmins is now the 11th fire chief in the history of the HFD, which was created in 1891.
- CURTIS JACOBSON was appointed as the new chief of the Fremont (CA) Fire Department. He was previously chief of the San Jose (CA) Fire Department, a position he held since 2015. The FFD has 160 full-time employees and 11 fire stations. Jacobson replaces former Chief Geoff LaTendresse, who retired on September 1, 2017. Interim Chief Amiel Thurston returned to his position as deputy chief after Jacobson assumed chief’s duties on December 18, 2017. LaTendresse became chief in 2012, succeeding Bill Martin.
