Firefighters Bid Final Farewell to Fire Chief John Callahan

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John W. Callahan, retired Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and active-duty Chief of the San Luis Obispo, California Fire Department, passed away suddenly on August 18, 2010.

Chief Callahan began his career with the Los Angeles Fire Department on July 25, 1970 as a Firefighter and he promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of our Department. As Commander of Operations, he held the second highest position in the Department.

During his LAFD career, Callahan supervised the implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, served as Commander of the Fire Suppression and Rescue Bureau, managed the Disaster Preparedness Section, oversaw Communications and Dispatch, as well as the In-Service Training Section.

In addition, he headed LAFD preparations for the 2000 Democratic National Convention and served as the Department's liaison with the Mayor and City Council.

Chief Callahan also served as the Vice-President for the LAFD Chief Officers' Association (COA) and as chair of the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and Cities of Los Angeles. Since 2004, he provided consulting in the area of public safety with clients throughout the United States.

Following retirement from the LAFD in 2003, he went on to become the Fire Chief of San Luis Obispo Fire Department in 2005, and led that agency at the time of his passing.

As the Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo, Chief Callahan was credited with bringing innovation to the Fire Departent and key improvements to the City's emergency operations.

On August 27, 2010 firefighters and friends from across our nation gathered in San Luis Obispo to offer a final farewell to a highly beloved fire service leader:



Chief Callahan is survived by his wife, Lynne, son John Christopher and daughter Danise.

Republished with the permission of the Los Angeles Fire Department.  View original article here.



Author:Brian Humphrey - PIO - Los Angeles Fire Department