Lurie names new San Francisco fire chief

SAN FRANCISCO - Newly inaugurated San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie appointed a new fire chief on Friday, the department announced. 

Battalion chief Dean Crispen will replace Sandra Tong, who was appointed by former mayor London Breed in September. 

Crispen has 34 years of experience with the San Francisco Fire Department and is the 27th chief in the department's history. 

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"Crispen takes on this role having displayed exemplary leadership throughout his career and put his life on the line for San Francisco residents and Americans across the country," the fire department said in a social media post.

The new chief will oversee the department's emergency preparedness and public safety initiatives. 

"With over 34 years of distinguished experience serving our city, Chief Crispen will lead the San Francisco Fire Department with the same compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication that have defined his entire career," Lurie said in a statement. 

The mayor is expected to speak in a press conference at 11 a.m. Friday, which will be livestreamed here.