Politics · Switzerland · 3 hrs ago
Lugano police chief to lead city emergency coordination from November 1
Lugano police chief Federico Chiesa will become the city’s emergency coordinator on November 1.
He will take over from fire service commander Federico Sala, who holds the role until October 31.
The coordinator leads the operational response when an emergency requires special management and direct links with the relevant authorities.
Lugano’s coordination unit brings together staff from different city departments to prepare for and manage exceptional situations.
Its work includes assessing risks, updating emergency plans, training staff and running exercises, with attention to hazards such as floods, landslides, extreme weather and health or energy crises.
The goal is to protect residents and keep essential services running through cooperation between city services and other authorities.
The city says it will share information during emergencies through official channels and alert systems, including Alertswiss; residents can call 117 for police, 118 for firefighters and 144 for medical emergencies.
Federico Chiesa, commander of Lugano City Police, will become the city’s emergency coordinator on November 1, 2026.
He will succeed Federico Sala, commander of the Civic Fire Brigade, who holds the role through October 31.
The coordinator’s role is activated when an emergency requires extraordinary operational management and direct contact with the relevant authorities.
The city’s coordination unit prepares for risks including natural hazards, health emergencies and energy crises.
Its work includes risk analysis, emergency planning, staff training and exercises.
- Who
- Federico Chiesa, commander of Lugano City Police, will take the role from Federico Sala, commander of the Civic Fire Brigade.
- What
- Chiesa will become the city’s emergency coordinator within the Unit for Coordination of the City (UCCL).
- When
- November 1, 2026. Sala holds the role through October 31.
- Where
- Lugano, Switzerland.
- Why
- The role coordinates the city’s response when a situation requires extraordinary operational management and direct contact with relevant authorities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The municipality redefined the organization of the UCCL to strengthen the city’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
Federico Sala’s term as emergency coordinator ends.
Federico Chiesa is due to take over as the city’s emergency coordinator.
- Incoming coordinator
- Federico Chiesa
- Outgoing coordinator
- Federico Sala
- New role begins
- November 1, 2026
- Coordination unit
- Unit for Coordination of the City (UCCL)
- Emergency numbers
- Police: 117; Fire Brigade: 118; medical emergencies: 144
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What people are saying
The safety of the population and the continuity of essential services are a priority for the City of Lugano.
in circumstances that require extraordinary operational management and direct contact with the relevant authorities