Roseburg Fire Chief Gary Garrisi Announced His Retirement Yesterday

(RFD) After 33 years in the fire service and five years of service to the City, Fire Chief Gary Garrisi has announced his retirement, effective today, March 31, 2021. Chief Garrisi started his career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter for the Arcata Volunteer Fire Department in 1987. In 1990, he began his career with Yuba City Fire Department in Yuba City, California. After 26 years of service, he retired as a Battalion Chief to accept a position as Assistant Chief with the City of Roseburg Fire Department. After serving three years as Assistant Chief, he was promoted to Fire Chief in 2019. Chief Garrisi’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to the City of Roseburg and the fire department were unwavering. He began his career with the City of Roseburg as the community was suffering from the horrific tragedy at Umpqua Community College and ended his career in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has provided support and direction to the department through some very difficult times while remaining a strong leader. While Fire Chief, he assisted with the horrible snow storm known as “Snowmaggedon” and ensured both fire substations were completed under the Seismic Rehabilitation grants during his tenure. Chief Garrisi was also very active in the community. He participated and walked in the Veteran’s Day Parade each year, provided support to firefighters who volunteered their time to raise money for cancer patients and survivors, read books to children at the Roseburg Public Library, and provided tours to children and visitors of the City’s Sister City, Shobu, Japan. He also participated in yearly events at local restaurants that helped raise funds for local non-profit agencies by having local heroes serve as waiters/waitresses. He represented our core values of integrity, respect, safety, and professionalism. We are excited for the next chapter of Chief Garrisi’s journey, although he will be greatly missed by all. Please join us in thanking Chief Garrisi for his 33 years of dedicated service and wishing him and his family well.