New Fire Chief Selected In Laguna Beach, Public Invited To Ceremony

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Laguna Beach Fire Department has a new fire chief who will bring roughly three decades of fire experience to the position, the city announced Wednesday.

Niko King will be sworn in as the city's new fire chief on July 5, taking over duties from retiring Fire Chief Mike Garcia. He is the city's 20th fire chief and will be paid $225,000 per year, the city said.

King's fire experience includes 28 years with the Sacramento Fire Department, where he served six years as Deputy Fire Chief most recently. According to the city, he has ample supervisory and management experience, and his background includes expertise in the following areas: fire operations, administration, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, training and development and Emergency Medical Services Divisions.

“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 said 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.”

Before serving as Deputy Fire Chief, King worked for more than five years as Sacramento's Assistant Fire Chief. While serving, he oversaw the Training Division to include a new recruit academy.

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

King is relocating to Southern California and says he has always enjoyed visiting Laguna Beach.

"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."

Laguna Beach residents are invited to meet Chief King at a badge presentation and swearing-in ceremony from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 5 at City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave.