Folsom City Manager Elaine Andersen announced today that Folsom Fire Department Division Chief Ken Cusano will be the next Folsom Fire Chief, effective October 31, 2020.
“With more than 20 years serving the Folsom community, Chief Cusano is uniquely and highly qualified to lead the Folsom Fire Department,” said City Manager Elaine Andersen. “His exceptional leadership, deep community roots, technical expertise, and institutional knowledge will serve the department and our city extremely well.”
Chief Cusano will oversee the Folsom Fire Department of 77 personnel, five stations, and an operating budget of $20.3 million. Operations include fire suppression, rescue, prevention, public education, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services to the community.
Chief Cusano joined the Folsom Fire Department in 1998. His supervisory positions included serving as a captain for 10 years, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 Folsom Unit Representative, and lead arson investigator. His most recent assignment has been division chief, where he oversaw administration, training, personnel, investigations, and capital improvement projects. He has also served as a member of the Sacramento Regional Training Chiefs, California Fire Chiefs Association, California Conference of Arson Investigators, and the California Incident Command Certification System.
Fire Chief Ken Cusano
Cusano holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Safety from California State University, Sacramento. He has earned certifications in hazardous materials management, environmental auditing, and environmental management from the University of California, Davis. In addition, he is a graduate of Folsom High School.
“It is my distinct privilege to lead the Folsom Fire Department and to serve the Folsom community,” said Chief Cusano. “It is an honor to work for the city that I was raised in and the department where I began my career as a firefighter. It is exciting to see the City of Folsom grow and I am dedicated to maintaining a tradition of excellence within the Fire Department.”
Outgoing Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez was named the Cosumnes Fire Department Chief and will begin his new position on October 31.
For more information about the Folsom Fire Department, visit www.folsom.ca.us/fire or call 916-461-6300.