Daniel Lurie names Dean Crispen new San Francisco fire chief, 1st major appointment as new mayor

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Mayor Daniel Lurie named a new chief at the San Francisco Fire Department on Friday, his first big appointment since taking office on Wednesday.

In a press release, Lurie said Battalion Chief Dean Crispen will lead the department, replacing interim chief Sandy Tong, who former Mayor London Breed appointed in September. Crispen comes into the role with more than three decades of experience in the department.

Lurie touted Crispen's three decades of experience in firefighting and emergency response.

"This is a role that carries immense responsibility and requires a unique combination of vision, leadership, and a profound connection to the people of this great city," the mayor said. "Battalion Chief Crispen brings 34 years of distinguished service and unwavering commitment as a first responder and advocate for underserved populations."

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Crispen has worked as captain of stations for the Chinatown, North Beach and SOMA neighborhoods and has acted as incident commander at more than 50 events. He is a lifelong San Franciscan. Lurie's office says Crispen also responded to the 9/11 attacks in New York City in 2001.

Aside from coordinating response to fires, Crispen will also be in charge of emergency preparedness and other public safety initiatives. SFFD also employs paramedics who respond to the city's opioid epidemic. Firefighters are often deployed to other jurisdictions when tapped. Currently, there are 31 firefighters who have been sent to help respond to the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County and beyond.

The new fire chief thanked Lurie in a Friday press conference.

"Your love for our city is contagious. I pledge to you that I shall work tirelessly to protect our citizens and visitors," Crispen said. "Public safety is at the center of your agenda Our department stands firmly with you."

RELATED: Sandra Tong sworn in as SF's interim fire chief, 1st Chinese American to lead department

Crispen will officially begin duties as SFFD Chief on Jan. 21. Captain Jonathan Baxter - a spokesperson with the department - said Tong has not decided what she will do next, but said she is "supporting this process" and is "enthusiastic" about the upcoming changes.

It's not clear yet if the mayor will appoint more new leaders; he has not commented on whether he plans to keep San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott at the helm of the police department. Scott was present at Friday's press conference.