South San Francisco Appoints Matt Samson as New Fire Chief
Published on July 30, 2024
Appointment Marks a New Era in Fire Safety and Leadership
The City of South San Francisco proudly announces the appointment of Matt Samson as the new Fire Chief, effective August 2. With a distinguished career in firefighting and emergency management spanning 25 years, Chief Samson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving our community.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chief Samson to lead our esteemed Fire Department," said City Manager Sharon Ranals. "Chief Samson's extensive background in fire safety and emergency response, combined with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to continue enhancing the safety and well-being of our residents."
Chief Samson joined the South San Francisco Fire Department in January of 2005 as a Paramedic Firefighter and has made significant contributions to the department’s growth over the past 20 years. He has served as Captain, Battalion Chief, and for the past six years as the Deputy Fire Chief.
Chief Samson has been actively involved in significant efforts throughout his career, helping the department to continue meeting its mission while addressing new and emerging threats faced by the organization. These include the development of a rescue boat program, support of the department’s technical rescue program, procurement and management of numerous federal grants for equipment, infrastructure, and training, and helping to modernize the department through both operational and facilities improvements. Chief Samson helped to lead the department through the COVID-19 Pandemic and some of the most challenging wildland fire seasons the department has ever experienced.
Prior to joining the South San Francisco Fire Department, Chief Samson started his emergency services career in 1998 working as an emergency medical technician before attending the fire academy in 2000. He then worked for the Marinwood Fire Department from 2001 until he was hired by our City. Chief Samson holds an Associates Degree in Fire Technology from Allan Hancock College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and has completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Additionally, Chief Samson is a registered instructor under the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.
"It truly is an honor to be entrusted with leadership of the South San Francisco Fire Department. I am humbled by the opportunity and am excited to build on the incredible work the men and women of our department regularly perform to keep our community safe," said Chief Samson. “Our professional staff of firefighters are highly trained and are dedicated to providing the excellent service our community has grown to expect from our fire department team. I appreciate the confidence and support of our City’s Leadership Team and Council.”
As Fire Chief, Chief Samson will lead initiatives aimed at further strengthening the department's capabilities, ensuring prompt emergency response, and promoting fire prevention education throughout South San Francisco.
The City of South San Francisco extends its warmest congratulations to Chief Samson on his appointment and looks forward to his leadership in advancing our city's fire safety goals.
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About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.