John Callahan was the epitome of a public servant and served his community with pride, commitment and integrity as fire chief for the City of San Luis Obispo from 2005 to 2010. He accomplished many tasks during his time with SLOFD including planning a new dispatch center. He was a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department for over 32 years prior. He was known for his quick wit, devotion to his family and for volunteering locally. He was an accomplished scuba diver, fly fisherman, softball player and loved to fly. He died of a job-related heart attack.