Cosumnes Community Services District announced today the appointment of new Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez, who will succeed Cosumnes CSD Fire Chief Michael McLaughlin upon his retirement in December.
Since 2017, Rodriguez has served as the City of Folsom Fire Chief. Under his leadership, the department expanded its service delivery, improved response times, and opened a state-of-the-art fire station in a wildland-urban interface area of Folsom.
Before that, Rodriguez worked for the City of Oceanside Fire Department nearly five years, serving as field battalion chief, fire marshal and division chief of training. He spent the previous 13 years with the Stockton Fire Department as a fire captain, SWAT medic, and firefighter-paramedic.
Rodriguez began his professional career 26 years ago, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and developed his skills as a medic. While serving as a Navy reservist, he was activated following the September 11th attacks and was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a long-standing member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the women and men of Cosumnes Fire and serve this community,” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to developing relationships with the district’s personnel, residents, business community, and partners, and continuing the work that has made Cosumnes Fire a modern, innovative agency in the California fire service.”
Rodriguez will oversee the Cosumnes Fire Department’s over 200 personnel, eight fire stations, and an annual operating budget of $56 million. The department covers a growing, diverse, and dynamic area of south Sacramento County, including the cities of Elk Grove and Galt.
The district’s General Manager Joshua Green announced the appointment following an extensive national executive search.
“Chief Rodriguez has a wealth of talent, experience, and proven leadership which make him uniquely qualified to serve as our next fire chief,” said Green. “I am confident Chief Rodriguez will serve the district and our residents well. Throughout his career, he has proven he is committed to exceeding expectations and engaging all members of our community. As a District, we share those same values in everything we do. I am excited to welcome him to our organization.”
The district’s board of directors authorized the General Manager to extend an employment contract to Rodriguez at their October 7 board meeting. He will officially begin with the district October 31, 2020, allowing an adequate transition period until current Chief, McLaughlin, retires in December.