New Interim Fire Chief Is Also Manhattan Beach Police Chief

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – Manhattan Beach interim Fire Chief Derrick Abell may look familiar – he's also the city's Police Chief. Abell is expected to remain in the interim Fire Chief position for eight to 10 weeks while the department continues to search for a full-time Fire Chief, according to Daily Breeze. Robert Espinosa, who was the Manhattan Beach Fire Chief for more than six years, retires April 28, according to City Manager Bruce Moe.

Naming a police chief to lead a fire department is rare, but it's happened in various small towns throughout the United States, the newspaper reported.

“Chief Abell is an outstanding leader who is well respected throughout the organization and community, and I have the utmost of faith in his abilities,” Moe told Daily Breeze. “That, coupled with his strong management team at the Police Department, gave us the opportunity to tap Chief Abell’s talents during the transition.”

Read more at Daily Breeze