It is with deep sadness and respect that the City of Fremont and the Fremont Fire Department announce the death of Retired Fire Chief and Planning Commissioner Daniel T. Lydon, who passed away on March 18, 2019 at his home in Fremont, California.
Chief Lydon was born on October 30, 1941 in Oakland, California. He attended grammar school at Sacred Heart Elementary in Oakland and St. Mary’s High School in Berkeley, California before being hired by the Oakland Tribune. Chief Lydon then joined the Fremont Fire Department as a firefighter on March 15, 1963. His leadership was evident from the start as he was instrumental in the establishment of the Labor Union, Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 and would later serve as its President. Chief Lydon held the ranks of Firefighter, Inspector, Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief, before being promoted to Fire Chief on March 16, 1987. During his administration, the department expanded adding four new fire stations, placed Paramedics on fire engines which improved patient outcomes, and he was a key figure in the voter-approved bond measure, “Measure R” which ensured all Fremont fire stations were built or retrofitted to meet earthquake safety standards.
Upon retirement from the Fire Department, Dan continued his life of public service and was appointed to the Fremont Planning Commission. Planning Commissioner Lydon helped direct the growth of Fremont in accordance with the Fremont General Plan; many of Fremont’s newer developments and some currently under construction were approved during his tenure.
The reach of Chief Lydon extends far beyond the City of Fremont, as he mentored fire chiefs from across the nation, being awarded “Fire Chief of the Year” by the California Fire Chiefs Association in 2002. Dan Lydon’s imprint on the Fire Service, the City of Fremont, and all those he touched is enduring.
Fire Chief Lydon is survived by his wife of 53-years Patricia Lydon, his children Bridget McGrath, Daniel Lydon, Kevin Lydon, Margaret Lydon, Michael Lydon, and five grandchildren.
We honor you, Daniel Lydon.