Alameda Fire Chief Mike D'Orazi Announces Retirement

Alameda Fire Chief Mike D’Orazi has announced his retirement effective next month after three and a half years in the position, city officials said. City Manager John Russo said he is appointing Deputy Chief Doug Long to be the acting fire chief until a permanent chief is named.

D’Orazi, whose retirement is effective Dec. 27, said in a message to his colleagues, “I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your support and assistance over the last three and a half years as chief.” D’Orazi said, “In my 35 years of association with the city, I have never been so impressed with the level of professionalism and competence shown by our management team.”

Russo said in a statement, “Chief D’Orazi has been a visionary leader in the Fire Department. We will miss his experience, wisdom, and future oriented perspective. All of us at the city of Alameda wish him and his family all the best.” Fire Department officials said Long joined the department as a firefighter in 1988, then was promoted to lieutenant in 1997 and then to captain in 1999.

In 2011, Long was promoted to division chief where he was a shift platoon commander. In addition to his shift responsibilities, he was the chief in charge of special operations, including hazardous materials, technical rescues and marine operations. Earlier this year, Long was assigned to the deputy fire chief position, where he has had oversight of operational divisions, including fire prevention.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy: Alameda Fire