Former interim chief brings more than 30 years of experience to Folsom
Folsom, Calif.- Folsom City Manager Bryan Whitemyer today announced the appointment of Jason Solak as Folsom Fire Chief, effective March 1, 2026.
Chief Solak has served as Interim Fire Chief since October 2025, providing steady leadership following the retirement of Fire Chief Ken Cusano. After several months of leading the department, Solak has earned the confidence of city leadership, department personnel, and community partners.
“During his interim tenure, Chief Solak has earned the trust of our firefighters, our leadership team, and our community,” said City Manager Bryan Whitemyer. “He brings operational depth, strong character, and a calm, steady presence. Naming him permanent Fire Chief reflects the outstanding leadership he has already demonstrated and our confidence in the direction he is taking the department.”
30+ years experience
Chief Solak brings more than 30 years of fire service experience to the role. Prior to joining the City of Folsom, he served as Deputy Fire Chief for the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, where he led operations, training, and emergency response readiness during his 25-year career with the department.
Earlier in his career, Solak served with the U.S. Forest Service, Rocklin Fire Department, and Benicia Fire Department. Since 2003, he has also served as a Task Force Leader and Heavy Rigging Specialist with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team California Task Force 4, deploying nationwide to major disaster recovery efforts. In addition, he serves as an adjunct instructor at Las Positas College and is a Registered Instructor with the State of California in multiple fire and rescue disciplines.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community in a permanent capacity,” said Fire Chief Jason Solak. “Over the past several months, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our personnel and the strength of our partnerships. My commitment is to build on that foundation while investing in training, preparedness, and teamwork so we are ready to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs.”
Longtime Folsom Resident
A Folsom resident for more than two decades, Solak and his wife, Dawn, made the city their home in 2001 when they settled in the Empire Ranch neighborhood. They have two college-aged children, Jake and Brianna.
