EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO FIRE CHIEF GEO BLACKSHIRE
UPON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Fire Chief Geo Blackshire joined the City of Palo Alto Fire Department in October 1997 and has dedicated 28 years to serving the community. Starting as a Firefighter, he worked his way through the ranks, spending seven years as Deputy Chief and six m onths as Interim Chief before being appointed Fire Chief in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Chief Blackshire earned several professional designations along the way, including being recognized as an Internationally Credentialed Fire Chief through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and Executive Chief Officer through the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He’s also been an active participant in leadership organizations such as the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Association, Cal Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute, and the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program, where he was part of the inaugural class focused on advancing diversity and inclusive leadership within the fire service; and
WHEREAS, Chief Blackshire has been known for leading with heart, collaboration, and vision. When the COVID -19 pandemic brought uncertainty and fear, he showed up every day to lead his department through it. His calm, consistent presence and focus on the wellness of his team and community embodied the kind of strength and optimism that defined his leadership. During this time, the department made major strides in firefighter wellness and safety, expanding its critical incident stress management program into a robust peer support network; and
WHEREAS, Chief Blackshire oversaw the construction of the award-winning Fire Station 3, initiated the rebuild of Station 4, and secured a $3.7 million FEMA SAFER grant to reopen Fire Station 2. Stations were also retrofitted with modern extractors and washers t o reduce exposure to combustion byproducts. He also reintroduced Engine 64, launched special operations and water rescue programs to i mprove response in challenging environments, and is bringing in new specialized equipment such as the Breathing Support Unit “Rescue 62”; and
WHEREAS, Chief Blackshire has also focused on strengthening the department’s emergency medical services and staffing, initiating plans to expand EMS single-role staffing and implementing modern recruitment tools like HireVue to make hiring more accessible and effic ient.
His leadership deepened collaboration with mutual aid partners and Stanford University, enhancing public safety on and off ca mpus and coordinating large-scale planning for special events and multi-casualty incidents; and
WHEREAS, through every initiative — from modernizing infrastructure to advancing diversity and inclusion – Chief Blackshire has helped build a stronger, safer, and more resilient organization. His impact on the Palo Alto Fire Department and the community it serves will be felt for many years to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ed Lauing, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto on behalf of the entire City Council do hereby extend our deepest gratitude to Fire Chief Geo Blackshire for his 28 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the community.
PRESENTED: October 20, 2025
APPROVED:
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Mayor Ed Lauing
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Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker Councilmember Pat Burt
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Councilmember George Lu Councilmember Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Councilmember Keith Reckdahl Councilmember Greer Stone
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Manager City Attorney
Proclamation