James Gartland, San Diego’s lifeguard chief since 2018 and a fixture in the department for three decades, is no longer a city employee, city officials confirmed. Officials have not disclosed why he’s no longer on the job.

City spokesperson Nicole Darling confirmed Gartland’s departure in an email to NBC 7.

“We cannot comment on personnel matters. I can confirm that James Gartland is no longer an employee of the City of San Diego,” said Darling.

Darling said Deputy Chief Dan Eddy will serve as interim lifeguard chief. Eddy currently oversees all emergency and special operations for San Diego Fire-Rescue, including the Lifeguard Division.

NBC 7 also contacted the San Diego City Attorney’s Office about Gartland’s departure to which they responded they had no comment.

In a separate email, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said:

“Generally, we can’t comment on whether there is an open investigation of any nature.”

NBC 7 reached out to Gartland at his Clairemont home, but no one came to the door.

Gartland had been lifeguard chief since 2018 and spent three decades with the department. He was a strong proponent of water safety and was often at the forefront of holiday beach safety campaigns.

Gartland’s son, West, spoke to NBC 7 after conferring with his father.

“For the family this is a shocking and confusing time,” said West.

West also said he hopes to better explain the situation in time.

NBC 7 obtained a letter Fire Chief Robert Logan sent to all personnel Monday announcing the interim leadership change.

“Effective immediately, Deputy Chief Dan Eddy will serve as interim Lifeguard Chief,” according to the letter, “The Divisions existing organizational structure, assignments and operational responsibilities will remain in place.”

Gartland’s absence was noticeable during a mass rescue operations training exercise off Point Loma. His departure leaves San Diego’s Lifeguard Division under interim leadership after decades of service by its longtime chief.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.