Laguna Beach Fire Chief Announces July Retirement

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach residents will say goodbye to their fire chief as Laguna Beach Fire Chief Mike Garcia announced he will retire on July 1.

The announcement comes after a four-year career with the Laguna Beach Fire Department, and a previous 28 years at the Long Beach Fire Department. Garcia was also a member of the Orange County Fire Chiefs association.

"Laguna Beach is a beautiful city and a wonderful community filled with passionate and caring people," Garcia said in a statement. "I could not have asked to work with a more caring, compassionate and committed group of people as I did with the Laguna Beach Fire Department."

While the nationwide search for a new fire chief commences, Garcia committed to remaining in his seat until a fire chief is appointed.

During the past four years, Garcia spearheaded the development of the 3-year Fire Department Strategic Plan, as well as the new Emergency Ambulance Transport Program. Garcia also helped with the development and implementation of the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report.

Garcia also assisted the City in developing the plan to reopen City Hall after the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also played a vital role in promoting and hiring talented employees to the City after a number of retirements within the Fire Department.

"The personal commitment by our Firefighters is inspiring and has made me proud to be their Fire Chief and I will forever be inspired by this group of professionals," Garcia said in a statement. "Thank you to all our community members for your continued support of the Laguna Beach Fire Department. It has been my honor to serve you."