Dated: August 1, 2024
IN RECOGNITION OF FIRE CHIEF JESS MAGALLANES ON HIS
RETIREMENT FROM THE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT August 1, 2024
WHEREAS, Jess Magallanes was sworn in as a firefighter for the South San Francisco Fire Department on October 11, 1996; and
WHEREAS, as his career began as a firefighter with the South San Francisco Fire Department, his continued engagement led to his promotion to Fire Captain in 2001, promoted to Training Battalion Chief in 2008, assigned as an Operational Battalion Chief in 2010, promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2016, and subsequently promoted to Fire Chief in 2018; and WHEREAS, Jess is the former President of the San Mateo County Fire Chiefs Association where he served for two terms leading the San Mateo County Fire Service and its response to the COVID 19 Pandemic and new dispatching system; and
WHEREAS, Jess served as a Rescue Specialist on FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3 for more than a decade, responding to large-sale national disasters including the rescue and recovery efforts resulting from a domestic terror attack on the World Trade Center and for the rescue and recovery efforts resulting from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Katrina on the City of New Orleans and its surrounding parishes; and
WHEREAS, Jess was an integral supporter of numerous department initiatives designed to enhance operational response through expansion of service to address emerging threats and better equip the department to carry out its mission, these efforts include the establishment of a Water Rescue Program, Wildland Type VI Engine Program, and Urban Search and Rescue Program; and WHEREAS, under Jess’s leadership, the Fire Department was able to successfully respond to and manage the impacts of a global pandemic in South San Francisco while simultaneously supporting efforts to mitigate the most devastating wildfire seasons in California’s History; and WHEREAS, Jess has always prioritized the health and safety of the community and worked tirelessly to ensure the city’s residents, workers, and visitors were kept safe from the dangers of fires, hazardous materials, natural and human caused disasters.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby congratulate Chief Jess Magallanes on his retirement and his contributions to the department, city, and county will always be remembered. _______________________________
James Coleman, Mayor
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Eddie Flores, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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Mark Nagales, Councilmember
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember