Public Safety
San Diego names interim lifeguard chief after Gartland leaves city
Deputy Fire Chief Dan Eddy will lead the Lifeguard Division on an interim basis, while its existing operations remain in place.
James Gartland is no longer an employee of the City of San Diego after eight years as lifeguard chief, a city spokesperson confirmed to NBC 7 San Diego. The city did not disclose the reason, citing a personnel matter.
Interim chief: Deputy Fire Chief Dan Eddy
Division: San Diego Fire-Rescue Lifeguard Division
Transition: Effective immediately
Operations: Existing structure and assignments remain in place
Interim leadership takes effect
Fire Chief Robert Logan informed department personnel that Eddy would serve as interim lifeguard chief. The notice said the division's organizational structure, assignments and operational responsibilities would continue during the transition.
Eddy oversees emergency and special operations for San Diego Fire-Rescue, including the Lifeguard Division.
Three decades with San Diego lifeguards
Gartland spent about three decades with the city's lifeguard service and had led the division since 2018. An official city announcement from that year said he previously served as a marine safety captain and worked on regional maritime emergency preparedness.
NBC 7 reported that Gartland's family described the change as unexpected. No further official explanation had been released when the report was updated late Tuesday.
Original report: NBC 7 San Diego →
Background: City of San Diego →