A 20-year veteran of the San Bruno Fire Department has been selected as its new chief.
Michael Ku joined the San Bruno Fire Department in 2005 as a paramedic firefighter, before being elevated to captain, battalion chief, and acting fire marshal, according to a statement from City Manager Alex McIntyre’s office.
Ku was named to the role in late March following the retirement of former chief Ari Delay in October after over 34 years as a firefighter.
Ku said in a statement that he was grateful to be chosen to lead the Department.
“Being selected as Fire Chief is the greatest honor of my career,” Ku said. “After 21 years, I am deeply thankful and ready to give back to the organization that gave me so much. My focus is simple: develop the next generation of firefighters and leaders to serve the citizens of San Bruno and San Mateo County.”
Ku holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from San Jose State University and worked as a private sector electrical engineer before joining the Fire Department.
“Being selected as Fire Chief is the greatest honor of my career. After 21 years, I am deeply thankful and ready to give back to the organization that gave me so much. …”
Fire Chief Michael Ku
He has undertaken leadership tasks such as ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, implemented cost-saving strategies, and successfully acquired grants for technology, programs and equipment, according to McIntyre’s office.
McIntyre said he was “very excited” for Ku to become the new fire chief.
“He brings a long history of service with our community, and I am confident in his ability to lead this department effectively,” McIntyre said in a statement.
Delay had served as the city’s fire chief since 2020 after a career that included stints with the volunteer La Honda Fire Brigade, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire.
“Chief Delay’s leadership has kept the department strong, innovative, and ready for the future,” McIntyre said when he announced his retirement.