High performance in emergencies:
From huge forest fires to the La Conchita landslide, Chief Roper has been at his best when stakes were highest. Under harsh conditions, facing relentless media scrutiny, he has calmly led the fight to save lives and property.

Bringing people together to get things done:
Chief Roper healed divisions inside and outside his department. He maintained peaceful labor relations; built strong partnerships with city, state and federal agencies; coordinated public and private emergency relief efforts.

Balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility:
Roper managed a $135-million budget and nearly 600 employees. He implemented a tough five-year budget process to eliminate structural deficits. And he took independent legal action
to secure public safety funding.

Finding new ways to improve service:
Centralized and modernized fire and ambulance dispatch to improve response times. Cut fuel costs and air pollution with energy efficient vehicles and buildings. Stressed accountability by setting benchmarks for service delivery.