Changes at Sebastopol Fire Department

Last week, the City bid a sad and fond farewell to John Zanzi as Fire Chief.  John was the second Chief that the department has had and led the Department for many years with great distinction.  Our city is unbelieveably fortunate to be served by such a talented and dedicated volunteer fire department.  While John would deflect any credit for the success of the Sebastopol Fire Department to the volunteers who serve us, John's efforts, guidance and steady sense of duty and purpose played and will play a pivotal role in its continued success.  

Chief Zanzi rightly credits our amazing fire staff for the department's success, however, the truth is that any organization needs good leadership to prosper.  Through my interactions over these past two and half years, I have learned from our volunteer firefighters how much they respect Chief Zanzi and what a crucial role he played for them.

While we wish Chief Zanzi well in his reitrement, we also welcome long time volunteer, Bill Braga, as our new Fire Chief.  As City Manager, one of the more difficult decisions is which process to use to fill such an important high level position in the organization.  After discussing the position with a number of our current officers, I decided to limit the recruitment to only persons already members of the Sebastopol Fire Department.  We are truly blessed that we have the depth of talent and dedication to promote from within.  

Chief Braga started in his new position the last week of August and was welcomed to the position by the City Council on September 6th.  I have the utmost confidence in Chief Braga to continue the legacy of exemplary leadership in our Fire Department and invite everyone to stop by the Fire Station and wish Chief Braga well.