Oceanside Appoints New Fire Chief

OCEANSIDE, CA – The city of Oceanside has appointed a new fire chief.

Richard Robinson has served as Oceanside's interim fire chief since June. He will be officially sworn in as fire chief at the Nov. 16 Oceanside City Council meeting.

"I am thrilled to be able to serve the community where I have lived for 28 plus years," Robinson said in a statement. "It's an honor and privilege to serve this diverse and vibrant community."

With more than three decades of fire service experience, Robinson served as fire chief under the Orange County Fire Authority structure for the cities of San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo. As fire chief of Oceanside, Robinson will oversee a department with a 90-year history and 126 employees.

The department serves the residents of Oceanside by providing emergency medical response, fire suppression, rescue emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, lifeguard services and more. The department also provides public education in fire prevention and emergency preparedness for local residents and businesses.

Robinson, who has been an Oceanside resident for more than 20 years, holds a bachelor's degree in technical education and a master's in organizational management. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program.

Robinson was selected as Oceanside's new fire chief after the city conducted a nationwide search. His annual salary will be $191,000.