Folsom Fire Chief announces retirement

Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano has announced his retirement after 28 years of service to the city of Folsom and more than three decades in fire service. He has served in several leadership roles within the department and was appointed chief in 2020. "Serving the Folsom community has been a privilege and an honor," said Cusano. "Leading this department and working alongside such a dedicated team of professionals has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. Together, we have built strong community partnerships, embraced innovation and helped ensure that Folsom remains a safe place to live, work and visit." According to a statement from the city of Folsom, Cusano joined the Folsom Fire Department in 1998 and held various roles, including arson investigator, personal protective equipment program manager and paramedic preceptor. He rose through the ranks as a firefighter/paramedic, engineer, captain and division chief. Before becoming chief, he served as the division chief of training and administration. As fire chief, Cusano has represented the city on the Sacramento County Fire Chiefs Association and is a member of the California Fire Chiefs Association. Folsom city officials said since his appointment in October 2020, Cusano has led a department of more than 90 employees. During his tenure, he guided the department's growth, strengthened its community engagement efforts and expanded the arson investigator and tactical SWAT medic programs, according to city officials. He played a key role in the design and construction of Fire Stations 39 and 34, as well as the remodel of Station 38. Additionally, he helped promote public safety by adopting a social host ordinance to deter the use of illegal fireworks and implementing seasonal closures of open space areas during periods of extreme fire danger. Under Cusano's leadership, the Folsom Fire Department became the first in the region to introduce a peer support dog and adopt a proactive approach to firefighter mental wellness, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the health and resilience of its personnel. He also helped develop recruitment, training and promotional testing processes that have shaped the department's future leadership. "Chief Cusano has been a steady presence and a trusted leader in our community," said City Manager Bryan Whitemyer. "The Folsom community is safer and stronger because of his dedication to public safety and innovative leadership. As he enters a well-earned retirement, we recognize his lasting impact on our city and wish him all the best." Cusano's last day with the city of Folsom will be Oct. 9. The city will begin an executive recruitment process to select the next fire chief this summer.