New Turlock fire chief pinned in ceremony

In a room full of firefighters, government leaders and friends and family, Bob Talloni officially took over the Turlock Fire Department Monday.

Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth pinned the chief’s badge on Talloni in a ceremony at the city’s newest fire station.

The ceremony included an honor guard, an oath of office, a flag presentation and initial inspection. Modesto Fire Chief Sean Slamon offered the welcome.

Talloni took over a post left vacant since the retirement of former Chief Tim Lohman in September. Police Chief Rob Jackson served dual duty in the interim.

Talloni formerly served as fire chief in Harrisburg, Pa., after a 33-year career in Norwalk, Conn. Most recently, he was an instructor at the National Fire Academy in Maryland.

He accepted the post with some brief remarks. “The strength of the platoon is the strength of the leader,” he said.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 5:11 PM with the headline "New Turlock fire chief pinned in ceremony."