Stowell Eyes Retirement As San Diego Mayor Presents Next Fire Chief

SAN DIEGO, CA—The San Diego Fire and Rescue Department has a new chief waiting for final approval by CIty Council. Mayor Todd Gloria appointed Chief Robert Logan II as the city's next fire chief Wednesday morning, following a three-month search.

Though Logan is waiting for the formal City Council approval, expected in July, he will take over for retiring Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell in August.

Logan is a lifelong San Diegan and the deputy fire chief overseeing employee services.

In this role, he supervises and manages six divisions within the SDFD, including recruitment, health and safety, community outreach, professional standards and training.

Gloria spoke of Logan's history in America's Finest City.

"Over his 24 years of service, Deputy Chief Logan has risen through the ranks of our department and demonstrated not only a profound understanding of the complexities of fire-rescue operations, but also a deep commitment to our community and the welfare of our Fire-Rescue employees," Gloria said. "I am confident that under his leadership, the department will be well-served, the city will be well-served, and we will be able to innovate and excel in providing emergency response services to our residents and visitors alike."

Before his current role, Logan was a deputy chief overseeing special operations, air operations, the metro arson strike team, the hazardous incident response team, and the special events/emergency management team.

He began his career with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department as an emergency medical technician in 1999, then became a firefighter in 2000.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to be appointed by Mayor Gloria to be our city's next fire chief," Logan said. "Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that shaped my resolve, resilience, commitment to service, and a profound understanding of our community's needs and realities. I look forward to leading our dedicated Fire-Rescue Department team with integrity and compassion and ensuring it remains a pillar of safety, support, and unity for all San Diegans."

According to the city, Logan is a co-founder of Lincoln High School's Fire Protection Program and an active member of Women In Fire, a national organization dedicated to empowering women in the fire and emergency services field.

Logan earned his bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University, his master's in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University as well as an executive chief fire officer certification.

Gloria was joined in announcing the appointment by Stowell and City Council members Henry Foster and Marni von Wilpert, chair of the city council's Public Safety Committee.

"It has been an honor to serve as the fire chief and lead the dedicated professionals of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for the last six years," Stowell said. "I have full confidence that Chief Logan will continue the legacy of this great department and lead with his exceptional integrity, commitment to serving our communities, and collaboration with all of our public safety partners.

"Chief Logan has earned the respect of our members as well as community stakeholders, and brings a wealth of SDFD experience and institutional knowledge critical to his success as the next fire chief," he added.

Stowell served with the SDFD for 36 years.