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City Manager Bob Bell, who has worked with
Skinner on variety of issues, said, “He’s very
committed to Redwood City and the [Fire] Department.
He’s a very intelligent, very likable person. He has
a good sense of humor and is very easy to work
with. He’s very highly regarded in his industry.
He is open to new ideas and new ways of doing
things. He’s just a real enjoyable person to be
around. He’s just a really fun guy to have around.”
A vital role in the community
Skinner stressed that his department plays a vital
role in the community. “We are part of the fabric
in the community,” he said. “We take great pride
in that. When people are in crisis, we help them.
When they’re not in crisis, we provide public
education. We’re your neighbor. We’re the Fire
Department. You know us and recognize us, and
that’s what it’s all about.”
A rewarding yet challenging career
What are some of the rewards of leading the
Redwood City Fire Department and what are
some of the challenges? It’s rewarding being able
to touch individuals and help them be better at
what they are doing, Skinner said. The challenges,
on the other hand, are keeping current with
the needs of the community and trying to get
everything done within budget constraints, he
said. The Redwood City Fire Department has a
budget of $15 million.
Time of transition
Skinner is leading the Fire Department during a
time of great transition. The Belmont–San Carlos
Fire Department is dividing, and Belmont will be
on its own while San Carlos will partner with the
Redwood City Fire Department.
The Redwood City Fire Department will provide
administrative duties, fire prevention, and battalion
chief coverage and supervision to San Carlos.
Later, San Carlos will hire its own working staff
to fill vacant positions at its two fire stations.
“We just really want people
to recognize our 150th
anniversary and come out
and have a good time,”
“It’s a great opportunity for both cities,” Skinner
said, noting that the change should not affect the level
of service. “The goal is that the service delivery
level will remain the same,” he said. “It’s a winwin
for everybody, especially the community.”
While the goal is to make the transition as
seamless as possible, Skinner acknowledged there
may be some challenges and glitches. Most people
will keep their jobs, but some jobs may be shed.
Both cities will save a significant amount of
money. In fact, Skinner estimates that Redwood
City and San Carlos will each save $1 million
annually. The money saved has already enabled
Skinner to hire a deputy fire chief.
The transition comes as the Redwood City Fire
Department celebrates its 150th anniversary,
which will be marked with a fundraiser gala
featuring hors d’oeuvres and dancing at the Fox
Theatre on Oct. 22. The hors d’oeuvres will
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