On Dec. 31, Chula Vista Fire Department Chief Jim Geering will retire after 35 years of service. A native of Chula Vista, during his career Geering held every rank in the CVFD, joining the department in 1985 as a firefighter wearing badge No. 34. At the City Council meeting on Dec. 8, Mayor Mary Casillas Salas presented Geering with a proclamation of his service to the city. Geering was accompanied by his wife and one of his four daughters.
“When you are in public safety and fire service it is almost like your family serves with you,” said Casillas Salas. “You are away from home on holidays and other special events, so we really appreciate everything that you have done over the years. I know that this is emotional for all of us, especially the people who have had the chance to work closely with you Chief Geering.”
Geering said it was an emotional goodbye as he accepted the proclamation. He thanked his wife of 25 years, who he said has been by his side through all the highs and lows of his career and changed his life for the better.
“There is no question about that. I am very grateful and humble, and the proclamation has my name all over it, but it really should have hers. And that is the truth,” he said.
Geering said going through the list of people over the past 35 years was too great to recognize all who had given him opportunities, a chance, a promotion, a project and allowed him to do things his way.
“All those things have culminated into a life-changing experience over 35 years,” he said. “I am leaving here a better person compared to when I walked into Fire Station 1. There is no better gift that an employee can receive from their employer, knowing that they are leaving as a better person. I am sincerely grateful for that.”
The CVPD celebrates its centennial in 2021, founded in 1921.
“To my beloved fire department, because of your effort, and the efforts of the men and women who came before us for the past 100 years we are a better department, we are a premier department,” said Geering. “Other fire departments know that too. That is why people from all departments come here looking for a job and that is why we hire them because they want to be here. We have some of the best people that we have hired over the past 10 years and they are our future. I thank you for the dedication that you put forth every day and my words alone cannot express my gratitude and my enthusiasm for what you do. I love you all and I thank you very much.”
Salas said Geering made the firefighting community a highest priority, increasing daily staffing by 28 percent, adding two deputy fire chiefs, three emergency medical services battalion chiefs, and a public communication and public education media specialist during his tenure.
Geering served on the executive board of the San Diego Fire Chiefs Association, the County Firefighters Advisory Council to the Burn Institute and is the founding member of the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation. Active in the community he served as board member of the Chula Vista Boys and Girls Club, a youth Pony league baseball coach and currently serves on the board of advisors for the South Bay Family YMCA.
Casillas Salas said Geering is nothing short of amazing.
“I tease you all the time for wearing your heart on your sleeve,” she said. “But I have to say that I never saw such a warrior for your staff, your department. I feel like I was a real partner with you when you were advocating for the need of new apparatus, new equipment, new gear for your firefighters. You were so passionate. This is a bittersweet moment for us.”
Deputy Fire Chief Harry Muns said Geering’s leadership of the CVFD led to significant changes for public and firefighter safety, increasing staffing from 38 to 49 firefighters and overhauling the Department’s systems resulting in reduced response times and expenses for the city and its citizens.
“You will be remembered as someone who overcame adversity, how to care about people, how to be committed, to put others first and most importantly, you were the right person for the job,” said Muns. “I want to take the liberty and speak on behalf of the entire fire department. Thank you for who you are and what you have invested here with us. A special thank you goes to your family for supporting you throughout your career, especially during your time as fire chief. I hope you walk into retirement knowing this fire department and the public safety are at the highest levels they have ever been. This is your legacy. This is how you will be remembered.”
City Council ratified Muns’ appointment to Chula Vista Fire Department Fire Chief.
