Chief Cofflin joined the San Francisco Fire Department in 1998 as a firefighter, working on an engine, truck, and ambulance during his time in fire suppression. In 2004, he transferred to the Bureau of Fire Prevention and began working as a fire inspector. Chief Cofflin was promoted within the Bureau of Fire Prevention to Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Fire Marshal, prior to being selected to lead the San Francisco Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention and Investigation in July 2021 as the Fire Marshal.

During his 17 years in fire prevention, Chief Cofflin worked in many areas of the Bureau including fire alarm & sprinkler inspections, special events, operational permits, plan review, high-rise, and held the position of Port of San Francisco Fire Marshal for 7 years. While working as the Assistant Fire Marshal, Chief Cofflin was assigned to also oversee the Bureau of Fire Investigation’s team of investigators who work closely with the San Francisco Police Department, collectively known as the Arson Task Force.

Chief Cofflin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from San Francisco State University and a Fire Science Certificate from City College of San Francisco. This is in addition to his continuous fire prevention related coursework and certification as a Hazardous Material Specialist.

He lives in the East Bay with his wife and twin daughters and enjoys coaching fastpitch softball.