Chief Ruben Torres Leaving LPFD For Top Job At Santa Clara FD

PLEASANTON, CA — The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department is looking for a new leader after it was announced Friday that Chief Ruben Torres is leaving his post with the department to lead the Santa Clara Fire Department. Torres has served as LPFD chief for four years; previously, he served as interim chief for the San Jose Fire Department. With Friday's announcement, the process of recruiting a new fire chief in underway. According to a joint statement from the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton, that process is expected to take six to eight months to complete. During the transition, Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Peters will serve as interim chief.

Livermore and Pleasanton officials acknowledged Torres' work with the LPFD, including spearheading an update to the joint powers agreement with the two cities, modernizing the department’s fire apparatus, and diversifying the department’s workforce to better reflect the populations of both communities.

“I have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead not only one, but two cities in their joint fire protection services, and am proud of what the department has accomplished during my service in Livermore and Pleasanton. I will always be grateful for this unique opportunity,” Torres said.

Nelson Fialho, Pleasanton city manager thanked Torres for his service. “The city of Pleasanton is grateful for Chief Torres’ leadership. His effective, results-driven approach has created the necessary framework for a world-class fire department that will operate well beyond his tenure."

Livermore city manager Marc Roberts said, “The City of Livermore greatly benefited from Chief Torres’ specialized background in firefighting and leadership. He demonstrated an exceptional ability to provide outstanding fire protection service to our two cities, and for that our communities have been better served. I am pleased to have had Ruben at the helm of LPFD and appreciative for his high level of professionalism.”

Fialho and Roberts function as the LPFD’s joint executive directors.