Salem, Oregon – The City of Salem is pleased to announce the appointment of David Gerboth as the 43rd Fire Chief of the Salem Fire Department. Chief Gerboth bringsover 30 years of experience in fire service and emergency management to this vital role.
Chief Gerboth was selected after an extensive and rigorous hiring process that spannedseveral months. The process includedmultiple days of interviewpanels with city officials, fire department leaders, and community stakeholders. In addition to interviews, Chief Gerboth successfully passed comprehensive background checks and pre-employment evaluations, demonstrating his commitment to integrity, leadership, and public safety.
Chief Gerboth comes to us from San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego, California. Chief Gerboth has a distinguished career in the fire service, having held the positions of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief, and currently holds the Assistant Fire Chief position. His current assignment as Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations oversees six divisions, includingthree divisions of Operations, SpecialOperations, Emergency Medical Services, and the Lifeguard Services Division, with a budget of approximately $400 million dollars and 1,200 personnel.
He is married, has three children,and enjoys spendingtime with familyand friends engaged in various outdoor activities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chief Gerboth to lead our fire department,” said City Manager Keith Stahley.“David’s extensive experience and evident commitment to community safety makes him the ideal choice to guide our department and continue the excellent work of protecting our residents.”
“I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the Fire Chief for the Salem Fire Department,” said Chief Gerboth.“I look forward to working with our dedicatedteam of public safety professionals and staff and continuing to serve the communitywith the higheststandards of safety and professionalism.”
Chief Gerboth will assume his new role on Monday,September 23, 2024.A formal swearing-in ceremony will take place that evening at the City Council Meeting, at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers.
For more information, pleasecontact: City Manager’s Office, 503-588-6255.
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