Santa Barbara Fire Department Operations Chief Promotion

In his new role, Chief Bryden will supervise the Operations, Training, and Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Operations of the department. Chief Bryden will be managing four Battalion Chiefs and overseeing eight stations staffed by ninety-four personnel.

Chief Bryden has been instrumental in the development of the department’s Urban Search & Rescue Team and Truck Company training. He has served as a board member and President of the Santa Barbara City Firefighters Association and has been an active participant in the California Firefighter Olympic Games.

Chief Bryden is a native of Santa Barbara who attended local schools and has been with the department since 1979. Jim, with his wife Bridget and family, make their home in Santa Barbara.