Turlock has named its new fire chief, hiring an instructor from the National Fire Academy in Maryland to fill the post.
A community reception for Fire Chief Bob Talloni has been slated for 4 p.m. Wednesday the Community Training Room of the Turlock Public Safety Facility, 244 North Broadway, Turlock.
Talloni will be only the eleventh chief of Turlock’s 107-year history.
Before joining the fire academy as an instructor in 2013, Talloni served as fire chief for the city of Harrisburg, Penn. He took the Pennsylvania position in 2010, following a a 33-year career in Norwalk, Conn., where he rose through the ranks to be deputy fire chief. He holds a Master’s of Public Administration, awarded in 2013 by the University of New Haven.
“Chief Talloni stood out in the application and interview process because of his decades of experience, his confident leadership, and his willingness to tackle our pressing department issues in a collaborative way,” said Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth in announcing the appointment.
“As an amateur boxer, Chief Talloni possesses the determination to lead our talented group of firefighters in a positive direction. I welcome Chief Talloni and his wife Karen to Turlock and I know they will be a great addition to our great community,” Soiseth said.
Talloni’s appointment fills the seat left vacant since the retirement of former Chief Tim Lohman in September. Lohman, who has a family almond farm, had a 35-year career with the Turlock department, and now manages the Northern Merced Hulling Association. Police Chief Rob Jackson served dual duty in the interim.
City Manager Roy Wasden will be the next to leave, retiring in December. Municipal Services Director Michael Cooke has been tapped to manage city affairs until a permanent city manager is found.
“Chief Talloni is a standout leader with national experience and is exactly the leader we need for our community and the Turlock Fire Department at this time. In addition to being a great leader for the Fire Department, he will be a great addition to the City’s Executive Team,” Wasden said in the city announcement.