Gilroy hires new interim fire chief after former chief was arrested

Following a two-week period in which Gilroy was without a fire chief after the former interim fire stepped down Sept. 9 because he was arrested for giving alcohol to a minor, the City has appointed a new interim fire chief.

Alan Anderson was announced as Gilroy’s new interim fire chief Tuesday afternoon, the same day his employment began, according to a press release from the City. 

Anderson comes to Gilroy after a “well known” 25-year career in the fire departments of San Jose, Union City and Cal Fire, City Administrator Tom Haglund said.

“I felt like he presented great skills and could handle the job,” Haglund said.

He will receive a monthly salary of $14,525. Part of his job entails assisting in the search for a permanent fire chief. 

Roger Bloom, former interim fire chief, had held the title for only six weeks when he was arrested for supplying a minor with alcohol as part of an undercover sting lead by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department. Bloom accepted a decoy’s request to buy him beer in front of a liquor store in Santa Cruz Sept. 7, and “remorsefully” resigned from his position with the City on Monday, Sept. 9. His resignation was effective immediately.

Police Chief Denise Turner took over administrative duties for the fire department until Anderson took over this week, Haglund said.