New Fire Chief Appointed to Lead Alameda Fire Department

A veteran firefighter who’s been Alameda’s acting fire chief since December will now be its permanent chief. City Manager John Russo said today that he has appointed Doug Long to be the permanent chief, effective on Sunday. Long, who joined the department as a firefighter in 1988, has been the acting chief since former chief Mike D’Orazi retired in December after three and a half years in the position.

Russo said in a statement, “Chief Long has done a great job for the city and I am confident he will lead the department with vision and integrity.” Long said, “I am honored to serve as the fire chief for the city I was born and raised in. My primary goal is to continue the excellent emergency response that Alamedans expect and deserve.”

After joining the department in 1988, Long was promoted to lieutenant in 1997 and then to captain in 1999. In 2011, he was promoted to division chief, which involved being a shift platoon commander. He also was the chief in charge of special operations, including hazardous materials, technical rescue and marine operations. Early in 2014 Long was named deputy fire chief, where he has had oversight of operational divisions, including fire prevention.

Long graduated from Alameda High School in 1981 and worked at several local businesses before he joined the fire department.

By Bay City News

Photo submitted by Alameda Fire via Nixle Alert