Folsom names 30-year emergency veteran as city’s new fire chief after interim role
Jason Solak will become Folsom’s next fire chief on March 1, after serving in the role on an interim basis since October, the city said.
City Manager Bryan Whitemyer announced the appointment this week, saying Solak earned the confidence of city staff and residents during his time leading the department.
“During his interim tenure, Chief Solak has earned the trust of our firefighters, our leadership team, and our community,” said Whitemyer in a statement. “He brings operational depth, strong character, and a calm, steady presence. Naming him the city’s permanent Fire Chief reflects the outstanding leadership he has already demonstrated and our confidence in the direction he is taking the department.”
CIty officials said Solak brings more than 30 years of fire service experience to the role. Before joining the city of Folsom, he spent 25 years with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, where he served as deputy fire chief and oversaw operations, training and emergency response readiness.
Earlier in his career, he worked with the U.S. Forest Service, the Rocklin Fire Department and the Benicia Fire Department.
Since 2003, Solak has also served as a task force leader and heavy rigging specialist with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team California Task Force 4, deploying nationwide for major disaster recovery efforts.
In addition to his field experience, Solak is an adjunct instructor at Las Positas College in Livermore and a registered instructor with the state of California in several fire and rescue disciplines.
Solak said he is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community in a permanent capacity.
“Over the past several months, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our personnel and the strength of our partnerships,” he said in a statement. “My commitment is to build on that foundation while investing in training, preparedness and teamwork so we are ready to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs.”
Solak took the interim role after former Fire Chief Ken Cusano retired in October.
Solak has lived in Folsom for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Dawn, moved to the city in 2001 and have two college-aged children.
This story was originally published February 14, 2026 at 11:09 AM.
