The San Francisco Fire Department will have a Chinese American leader for the first time, after the former chief retired last month.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed appointed Sandy Tong, who was assistant deputy chief of emergency medical services, as interim fire chief. Tong is the highest-ranking Chinese American in the department, with 35 years of experience working in paramedics. 

Tong isn’t new to the media spotlight. In 2021, she made headlines after coming back from retirement to serve as head of the SFPD’s emergency medical services branch. 

“I am humbled by this interim appointment, and I would like to thank Mayor Breed for this opportunity,” said Tong. “I have the utmost faith in the current command staff and the members of this department to carry on the great work they do everyday.”

Citing health reasons, former Chief Jeanine Nicholson retired last month after three decades in the department. Breed praised Tong’s experience and leadership in stepping up to replace Nicholson.

The fire commission had a special meeting in closed session Tuesday morning to discuss the new chief. The mayor has the power to nominate the acting chief, but the decision requires approval from the commission.