Interim Long Beach Fire Chief Named Today

Long Beach City Manager Patrick West e-mailed the following announcement today to subscribers of city news alerts:

Long Beach City Manager Patrick West today named Deputy Chief Mike Sarjeant, a 25-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, to be Interim Fire Chief.

"Deputy Chief Sarjeant is a highly capable leader with a wide range of experience, and I am confident that he will do an excellent job in this role," Mr. West said.

Deputy Chief Sarjeant's new role is effective Saturday, April 7, 2012 and will continue until Mr. West appoints a new chief to replace former Chief Alan Patalano, who recently retired. That process is expected to take approximately three months, and both external and internal candidates will be considered.

"I have enjoyed every assignment and position I have held in the Fire Service, and I will continue to do my professional and personal best for the Long Beach Fire Department in this role," Deputy Chief Sarjeant said.

Deputy Chief Sarjeant was promoted to his current rank in June 2010, and is responsible for the Operations Bureau, which includes field personnel, emergency medical services (EMS) education and training, and the Marine Safety Division.

Deputy Chief Sarjeant began his career with the Long Beach Fire Department in November 1986, and has held a variety of positions, including Firefighter, Paramedic/Fire Fighter, Captain and Battalion Chief.

He has earned numerous training certificates, and is a member of multiple regional public safety committees, including the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs, Operations Section; Terrorist Working Group; and the Area Maritime Security Council."

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