San Bruno, CA – Fire Chief Ari Delay announced on Wednesday, August 13, that he will be retiring this October following five years of dedicated service with the City of San Bruno.
“Chief Delay has led the San Bruno Fire Department with the utmost professionalism and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said City Manager Alex D. McIntyre. “Under his leadership, the San Bruno Fire Department has provided world-class responses to a wide range of emergency incidents. Key highlights of his tenure include expanding the training and the fire prevention divisions to provide enhanced safety and education to firefighters and the public. Chief Delay has strengthened collaboration with our countywide public safety partners and has developed critical wildfire prevention and mitigation programs in Crestmoor Canyon and across San Bruno.”
Chief Delay began his 34+ year career as a volunteer firefighter in the La Honda Fire Brigade before working as a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service in the Tahoe National Forest and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Mendocino Unit. In 1997, Chief Delay joined the Coastside Fire Protection District in Half Moon Bay where he served as a firefighter/paramedic, fire captain, and ultimately promoted to battalion chief for Cal Fire. He joined the City of San Bruno in February 2020 as Fire Chief, where he championed the department’s adoption of innovative technology and best practices including tools that enhance firefighter safety.
“I would like to extend my deep thanks to the City Council, City staff, firefighters, community-based organizations and the residents of San Bruno for their support of our Department,” said Chief Delay. “The men and women who make up the San Bruno Fire Department are truly remarkable!”
The City of San Bruno will begin an immediate nationwide search for a new Fire Chief. “I am confident that we will attract highly qualified candidates to fill this critical role,” noted City Manager McIntyre. “Chief Delay’s leadership has kept the department strong, innovative, and ready for the future.”
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