Department Organization
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is a paramilitary organization operating under a "Chain of Command".
- Senior Staff
The Fire Chief, Assistant Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs work normal business hours and are on 24-hour call for any incidents which demand their attention.- Fire Chief
The Fire Chief is the Administrative Officer of the entire Fire-Rescue organization. The Fire Chief is appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the City Council and reports to the Chief Operating Officer. - Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief
The Assistant and Deputy Chiefs assist in the administration of the Department and direct the operation of a division within the organization. The Department has an Assistant Chief of Operations and an Assistant Chief of Support Services, plus Deputy Chiefs overseeing Operations, Training, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention Bureau, Special Operations, and Logistics. Additionally, the Chief of Lifeguard Services is part of the Fire-Rescue Department.
- Fire Chief
- Field Operations
- Communications and Dispatch Center
- Logistics Division
- Training And Fire Academy
- Special Teams
- Lifeguards
- EMS


