Laguna Beach Welcomes New Fire Chief

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The City of Laguna Beach is pleased to welcome Michael Garcia as the City’s new Fire Chief. Garcia brings over 32 years of fire experience to the position, and begins his service to the City today.

Garcia’s experience includes 28 years with the Long Beach Fire Department. He has 20 years of supervisory and management experience, with over eight years as a member of the Long Beach Fire
Department Command Staff, holding positions of Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and for a period as the Acting Fire Chief.

“Chief Garcia brings an impressive amount of fire experience to the City of Laguna Beach,” said City Manager John Pietig. “I look forward to his leadership as we assess the department and develop plans for the future.”

Garcia’s background includes expertise in the areas of fire operations, administration, fire
prevention, emergency preparedness, staff training, and community relations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Education from California State University, Long Beach. Mike lives with his wife and their three children, and says he has always enjoyed Laguna Beach.

“There is just something special about this town, the people here and the intense sense of
community,” Garcia said. “I am honored and humbled to serve and protect that community as Fire Chief for the City of Laguna Beach.”
Garcia will take over duties as Chief from Acting Fire Chief Tom Christopher today, April 30th, 2018. Garcia is the City’s 19 th Fire Chief, and will have a salary of $192,000 per year.

The public is invited to meet Chief Garcia on Thursday, May 3 rd at Fire Station One (located at 501 Forest Avenue, next to City Hall) from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Photo, courtesy City of Laguna Beach