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Former Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department deputy chief Jason Solak has been tapped to become the fire chief on a permanent basis in Folsom.
Solak, whose family lived in Folsom in northeastern Sacramento County for much of his 25-year career at LPFD, joined his hometown department as interim fire chief last fall. He is now set to have the temporary tag removed effective March 1.
“During his interim tenure, Chief Solak has earned the trust of our firefighters, our leadership team, and our community,” Folsom City Manager Bryan Whitemyer said in a press release announcing the news on Valentine’s Day.
“He brings operational depth, strong character, and a calm, steady presence. Naming him permanent Fire Chief reflects the outstanding leadership he has already demonstrated and our confidence in the direction he is taking the department,” Whitemyer added.
Solak said he was “grateful for the opportunity” to lead the Folsom Fire Department as its permanent fire chief.
“Over the past several months, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our personnel and the strength of our partnerships,” Solak said in the press release. “My commitment is to build on that foundation while investing in training, preparedness, and teamwork so we are ready to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs.”
Solak’s career began more than 30 years ago with the U.S. Forest Service, and then the Rocklin and Benicia fire departments, before he found a professional home in the Tri-Valley. He rose through the ranks at LPFD, ultimately becoming deputy chief leading operations, training and emergency response.
He is also an adjunct instructor at Las Positas College in Livermore – registered by the state to teach in multiple fire and rescue disciplines. Solak has been deployed nationwide to major disaster response efforts as a task force leader and heavy rigging specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Search and Rescue Team California Task Force 4, Folsom city officials noted.
Whitemyer selected Solak as interim fire chief on Oct. 7 to succeed retiring chief Ken Cusano. Solak and his wife Dawn have lived in Folsom since 2001, settling the city’s Empire Ranch neighborhood where they raised their children Jake and Brianna, who are now college-aged.
