Laguna Beach To Swear In A New Fire Chief

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — As California moves further into fire season, Laguna Beach will welcome a new fire chief to help defend the lush hills that surround the community.

Niko King brings almost three decades years of experience in fighting fires as he steps into the new position on July 5.

"I am excited and honored to be selected to serve as the next Chief for the Laguna Beach Fire Department," King said. "I look forward to working with the great men and women of the Fire Department, the City's leadership team, local residents and businesses owners in continuing to ensure the Department carries out its mission at the highest level."

He spent 28 years on the other side of the state with the Sacramento Fire Department, where he will leave his position of Deputy Fire Chief for the past six years.

King will take retiring fire chief Mike Garcia's place next month. King will become the city's 20th fire chief and will be given a salary fo $225,500 per year. His public swearing in and badge presentation will be held at the Laguna Beach City Council Chambers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 5.

“Chief King is recognized as a professional, dedicated, fair leader of high integrity who motivates others and has a great passion for the fire service,” Laguna Beach City Manager Shohreh Dupuis wrote in a statement. “We are delighted to have Chief King continuing the Fire Department success in providing outstanding services to our community in fire prevention, fire protection, and emergency management.”

King holds a Master's degree in Homeland Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School; a Master of Science degree in Emergency Services Administration from neighboring California State University, Long Beach; and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences, Business Administration and Organizational Communication from California State University, Sacramento.