South San Francisco Fire Chief Jess Magallanes Announces Retirement
Published on July 25, 2024
The City of South San Francisco announces the retirement of Fire Chief Jesus “Jess” Magallanes, effective August 1, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 28-year career dedicated to protecting and serving our community.
Throughout Chief Magallanes’ tenure, he has been a beacon of strength and leadership within the South San Francisco Fire Department, leaving an indelible mark on our city's history. Under his guidance, the department has achieved numerous milestones including leading a team that brought the first rescue boat to South San Francisco and helping design and equip the fire department’s first Urban Search and Rescue Vehicle - starting both programs without using any general fund dollars.
"It has been an honor to serve the residents of South San Francisco as Fire Chief," said Chief Magallanes. "I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a department, and I am grateful for the support of the community throughout my career."
Chief Magallanes began his career with the South San Francisco Fire Department in October 1996, when he was hired as an entry-level Firefighter. Soon after completing probation, Jess became an Acting Fire Apparatus Engineer and then started paramedic school as part of a countywide cohort to add paramedics to all fire engines in San Mateo County. He was promoted to Fire Captain in 2001, and was promoted to Battalion Chief in charge of training in 2008. In 2010, he transitioned to operations as the A-shift Battalion Chief, overseeing daily operations of five stations, eight emergency response units, and 26 personnel. He was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2016, and was promoted to Fire Chief in 2018 after a nationwide search.
During his career Jess sought to have a broad base of fire service experience, joining the FEMA California Task Force 3 Urban Search and Rescue team based in Menlo Park deploying to both New York and New Orleans as a rescue specialist. He served as a Deputy Coordinator of the Red branch of a regional Urban Area Security Initiative training exercise in Alameda, bringing fire departments from throughout the Bay Area to a two-day training exercise. He was a member of the Coast Guard Neptune Coalition and Bay Area Maritime Search and Rescue Committee. He also served as Treasurer of the San Mateo County Training Chiefs and President of the San Mateo County Fire Chiefs Association.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Jess Magallanes for his unwavering commitment to public safety and service," said City Manager Sharon Ranals. "Jess leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will continue to guide us in the future."
Please join us in expressing appreciation to Chief Magallanes for his dedicated service and wishing him well in his retirement.
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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.