San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White announces retirement

San Francisco Fire Department Chief Joanne Hayes-White announced Monday that she will retire from the San Francisco Fire Department.

Hayes-White served as San Francisco Fire Chief for nearly 15 years. She was appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2004. 

"My time serving as Chief of the Department has been a distinct honor and has been incredibly rewarding," said Chief Hayes-White.  "As someone born and raised in this great City, I remain proud to serve the Fire Department and the City and County of San Francisco."

Chief Hayes-White will continue to serve as Fire Chief during the search for her replacement. 

"I want to thank Chief Hayes-White for her decades of service in our Fire Department, where she worked admirably to maintain the safety and security of the people of San Francisco," said Mayor London Breed. "While we identify and select a new Chief, Chief Hayes-White can continue to focus on what matters most to all of us - keeping our residents and visitors safe."

Hayes-White, a San Francisco native, came to the Department after graduating from the University of Santa Clara with a degree in business. She was hired as a firefighter in April 1990, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1993 and to the rank of Captain in January 1996. In May 1996 she was made acting Battalion Chief with oversight of the Department's dispatch and communications systems. Promoted to Assistant Deputy Chief in 1998, she was responsible for the Division of Support Services, the Bureau of Communications, the Bureau of Equipment, the Bureau of Engineering and Water Supply, Management Information Systems, and all facility repairs, maintenance and renovations.  Chief Hayes-White served as the Department's Director of Training from 2000 until her appointment as Chief of Department.