San Luis Obispo Fire Chief Garret Olson will work his last day with the fire department October 30, before retiring.
Olson has been with the San Luis Obispo Fire Department since 2012. He began his fire service career in 1988, as a paid-call firefighter with the Orange County Fire Department.
Olson said being able to touch the lives of others has had a great impact on him.
“I can’t believe it’s been 30 years,” Olson said. “My passion for this opportunity to serve the community has only grown and I leave with a heart full of gratitude.”
Olson said he is thankful for the community of the Central Coast. He explained when he was originally recruited to join the San Luis Obispo Fire Department, he did not plan on taking the job but that he and his wife fell in love with the community when they visited.
“It’s been the chance of a lifetime to work with such amazing community and great coworkers with a mission of service and caring for others,” Olson said.
Deputy Fire Chief Keith Aggson will serve as interim fire chief while the City of San Luis Obispo works to hire Olson’s permanent replacement.
Olson did not give details about his next career steps but said he will be able to continue to serve communities.
