He wasn’t the first African-American President, but his achievements were not any less notable. John Delotch, San Diego’s first African-American fire chief, died Tuesday from complications of pneumonia. He was 72.
A pioneer in his field, his history with San Diego’s fire department is long and paved with hard work, friends and coworkers.The city firefighting agency took him on in 1963, five years before the Supreme Court declared segregation unconstitutional.
It was not long until Delotch became fire captain in 1974, then continued marching up the ranks to battalion chief, shift commander, deputy chief, and finally became the fire chief in 1985. His unyielding dedication to service set him apart, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Lee Swanson said. He “put the citizens and workforce first in all his decisions.”
Delotch continued to serve the public until 1992, when he retired.
“John Delotch will be remembered as a gentleman and a quiet and effective leader who loved the fire service,” said current Fire Chief Tracy Jarman. Delotch is survived by his wife, Leslie; children Lori, Randall, and Robin; and nine grandchildren. Randall Delotch works as an engineer in the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
