The Folsom Fire Department has announced the appointment of Battalion Chief W. Nick Lawlor as its new public information officer, a role he officially assumed on July 1.
As the department’s public information officer, Lawlor will serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, emergency incident information, department initiatives and public notifications. According to the department, all inquiries regarding Folsom Fire Department operations, incidents and community programs should now be directed to Chief Lawlor.
In announcing the appointment, the department emphasized its ongoing commitment to keeping the public informed through timely and accurate communication.
“The Folsom Fire Department remains dedicated to fostering open, transparent communication and strong relationships with our community, local business leaders, and regional media partners,” the department said in its announcement. “Through timely and accurate information sharing, the department continues its commitment to enhancing public safety, disaster preparedness, and community engagement throughout the City of Folsom and the surrounding region.”
Public information officers play a key role in coordinating communication between emergency responders, the media and the public during incidents while also sharing information about department programs, safety initiatives and community outreach efforts.
Lawlor currently serves as the department’s A Shift Battalion Chief, overseeing facilities management. A third-generation firefighter, he joined the Folsom Fire Department in 2005 and has served as a firefighter/paramedic, engineer and captain before being promoted to battalion chief in 2022.
He earned associate degrees in fire technology and paramedicine from American River College and Sierra College. Throughout his career, Lawlor has also served as an EMT and drill instructor at the California Regional Fire Academy, a trustee for the Sacramento Area Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund, and currently serves on the Sacramento Incident Management Team after previously serving on CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2. Within the department, he leads the apparatus committee and the captain cadre training group.
With his appointment as public information officer, Lawlor will serve as the department’s primary communications liaison while continuing his leadership role within the Folsom Fire Department.
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