Town of Gilbert promotes assistant Rob Duggan to fire chief

PHOENIX — The town of Gilbert announced Wednesday that Assistant Chief Rob Duggan has been promoted to serve as the next fire chief.

“After 23 years of service with the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department, I’m dedicated to continuing the legacy established by our three prior fire chiefs to ensure the safety of the community and our members,” Duggan said in a press release.

“My vision and goals for the department are to maintain the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization, create a culture of innovation and pathways to innovate and ensure we are the destination fire department by allowing our people to feel safe, valued and have opportunities to thrive.”

Duggan replaces Jim Jobusch, who announced his retirement earlier this year after nine years on the job and 35 years in the service.

Town Manager Patrick Banger in the release said Duggan was selected after a competitive national recruitment and multi-faceted interview process.

“Chief Duggan has dedicated his career to the Gilbert community and we’re looking forward to having him continue to serve in this new leadership role,” Banger said.

Duggan over the past seven years as assistant chief oversaw multiple divisions within the department and in the role facilitated leading-edge innovation in the fire service, the town said.

Prior to joining the Gilbert Fire Department, Duggan was a member of the Casa Grande and Rincon Valley fire departments. He moved to Gilbert in 2002.

He was confirmed to the role on Tuesday and will begin his duty as fire chief on July 11.

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