Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Announces Retirement

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Robert Espinosa announced his retirement, which will be effective Dec. 23. After nearly four decades of service as a professional firefighter, and six-and-a-half years as Fire Chief for Manhattan Beach, Chief Espinosa said he's retiring with the knowledge that he's leaving Manhattan Beach Fire Department with a great leadership team in place.

Chief Espinosa’s Fire Service career began in the United States Army as a Fire Protection Specialist. After serving assignments in Fairbanks, Alaska and Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, Chief Espinosa received an Honorable Discharge in January 1982, and subsequently served the Cities of El Segundo, Long Beach, and Rialto before becoming Fire Chief for the City of Manhattan Beach, the press release said.

”The Chief has been an integral part of our community through his involvement with the Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team (MBCERT), the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club, and Leadership Manhattan Beach, as well as providing a heightened focus on disaster preparedness. Bob will be greatly missed,” says Mayor David Lesser.

City Manager Mark Danaj commends Chief Espinosa as a great leader and credits him with many accomplishments during his tenure as Fire Chief, according to the press release.

As the Chief reflects on his time in Manhattan Beach, he is thankful for the many great memories, accomplishments, friendships, and relationships that will last a lifetime, as well as the opportunity to positively impact this great community, the press release said. Chief Espinosa said the City Manager, City Council, and the entire City organization have been wonderful to work with and have been a part of this amazing career. He feels blessed to have been a part of something special in Manhattan Beach, he said.

Image via Shutterstock