Andy Casper

Fire Chief

Spring 1943 Graduate

        Andy is one of the nation's pre-eminent experts in the fields of fire fighting, fire prevention, earthquake preparedness, hazardous materials and highrise safety. Andy joined the San Francisco Fire Department as a fire fighter in 1947. Rising rapidly through the ranks. He became Chief of the Department in 1976, a post he held for six and one-half years. Subsequently, Andy became the Executive Director of the Foundation for Fire Safety in Arlington, Virginia, and then the Division Director of the Emergency Management Institute operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsberg, Maryland. In June 1993, Andy returned to San Francisco to become a partner in Casper, Phipps & Associates, a fire litigation and emergency preparedness consulting firm.

        Andy's many accomplishments include being Chairman of the Urban Consortium's Major Cities Fire Safety and Disaster Preparedness Task Force; organizing the Los Angeles preparedness program for the 1984 Olympics which program received a Congressional Commendation; obtaining private sector funding for the "Learn Not to Burn" program in the public schools; and was Chairman of Board of Directors for the National Fire Academy. Andy has also been a consultant to many disaster films including "Towering inferno." Also, he testified before the National Safety Transportation Board regarding underground transit life safety systems.

        Andy has received countless honors. In 1966 he received the Fire Departments Award for Bravery in the Line of Duty, an award he also received in 1972. He was honored for his bravery in the line of duty, by the international Lions Club in 1967. He has been cited as "Man of the Year" by many civic and professional groups, including the Islam Shrine Temple (1978); the Columbus Civic Club (1980; and the Electrical Contractors Association and the United State Marine Corps 12th District, both in 1981. In 1982 the California Legislature awarded Andy a Commendation for Distinguished Service.

        In recognition of his many accomplishments, Andy was inducted into the Abraham Lincoln High School Wall of Fame in May 1993.