Interim fire chief here for the long haul

The temporary fire chief at the Gilroy Fire Department who has been on staff for six months is now officially here for the the long haul. 

Alan Anderson was hired as interim fire chief after the former interim fire chief was arrested for giving alcohol to a minor in September. Just two weeks later, Anderson jumped into his new role with gusto. 

“I’m just thrilled to be here,” he told the Dispatch back in September. 

On Monday, City Administrator Tom Haglund announced that Anderson would be keeping the reigns on a permanent basis. 

“He has done a very good job leading the Gilroy Fire Department over the last six months and I have gained a lot of confidence in his ability to handle the job and ensure that the department is meeting the current and future needs of the community,” Haglund said in a press release. 

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 in September. 

“This adds some permanency to the process, there’s no longer that question of ‘how long is this guy going to be there?'” Anderson said. 

Anderson, 52, said he is looking forward to enhancing services and efficiencies within the department. 

“Sometimes with a fresh set of eyes, you can look at things a little bit different than before,” he said. 

Anderson will report directly to Haglund and will earn an annual salary of $158,100 plus benefits.