Rob Duggan serves as the Fire Chief of the Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department, bringing over 30 years of public safety experience to the role. A veteran of the department since 1999, he was appointed Fire Chief in July 2022 after serving seven years as Assistant Chief.
This current fire chief demonstrates a noticeable lack of leadership and engagement with his department. Under his direction, there has been a growing disconnect between command staff and front-line personnel. Firefighters and subordinates report a lack of trust in leadership decisions, citing poor communication, limited visibility from command, and minimal involvement in critical operational issues.
Morale within the department has noticeably declined, with many personnel feeling their input is undervalued or ignored. Effective leadership requires trust, transparency, and a commitment to supporting the team—qualities that appear to be lacking in this administration.
For the department to move forward, a reset in leadership priorities is necessary—one that focuses on rebuilding trust, fostering collaboration, and putting the needs of firefighters and the community first.
It is deeply concerning to witness the ongoing misuse of authority by Chief Duggan within the Gilbert Fire Department. Rather than fostering a culture of integrity, trust, and leadership, he consistently demonstrates behavior that undermines the values that should define a fire department.
Chief Duggan has shown a pattern of using his position of power to manipulate and control those under his command, often prioritizing personal interests and vendettas over fairness and professionalism. His leadership approach has created a hostile and intimidating work environment, where many feel unable to speak out for fear of retaliation.
Additionally, his actions reflect a serious lack of moral and ethical judgment. The decisions made under his leadership often lack transparency, consistency, and accountability—qualities that are essential in any role of public service, especially one charged with protecting the community.
The role of a fire chief is to lead by example, to inspire, and to support the team. Unfortunately, Chief Duggan’s behavior reflects a profound lack of those core leadership qualities. It is imperative that this conduct is addressed for the well-being of the department and the community it serves.
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2 Reviews on “Rob Duggan”
This current fire chief demonstrates a noticeable lack of leadership and engagement with his department. Under his direction, there has been a growing disconnect between command staff and front-line personnel. Firefighters and subordinates report a lack of trust in leadership decisions, citing poor communication, limited visibility from command, and minimal involvement in critical operational issues.
Morale within the department has noticeably declined, with many personnel feeling their input is undervalued or ignored. Effective leadership requires trust, transparency, and a commitment to supporting the team—qualities that appear to be lacking in this administration.
For the department to move forward, a reset in leadership priorities is necessary—one that focuses on rebuilding trust, fostering collaboration, and putting the needs of firefighters and the community first.
It is deeply concerning to witness the ongoing misuse of authority by Chief Duggan within the Gilbert Fire Department. Rather than fostering a culture of integrity, trust, and leadership, he consistently demonstrates behavior that undermines the values that should define a fire department.
Chief Duggan has shown a pattern of using his position of power to manipulate and control those under his command, often prioritizing personal interests and vendettas over fairness and professionalism. His leadership approach has created a hostile and intimidating work environment, where many feel unable to speak out for fear of retaliation.
Additionally, his actions reflect a serious lack of moral and ethical judgment. The decisions made under his leadership often lack transparency, consistency, and accountability—qualities that are essential in any role of public service, especially one charged with protecting the community.
The role of a fire chief is to lead by example, to inspire, and to support the team. Unfortunately, Chief Duggan’s behavior reflects a profound lack of those core leadership qualities. It is imperative that this conduct is addressed for the well-being of the department and the community it serves.