Long Beach
Fire Department

Today, the Long Beach Fire Department recognized nine individuals that were promoted to various positions within the Fire Department. The traditional “Badge Ceremony” was held at the Long Beach Fire Department Headquarters this morning at 0900 hours. The ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of those individuals that have dedicated themselves to career advancement and personal development.

These promotion ceremonies are a time honored tradition that brings family, friends, and co-workers together to celebrate the achievement of those that are being promoted from within the Fire Department. Fire Chief Mike DuRee presided over the event. He was joined by Police Chief Robert Luna and other members of his Department as well as Reginald Harrison, Director of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications.

Those being promoted today include:

Aaron Fletcher, Rescue Boat Operator

Jon Breeden, Fire Engineer
Brian Mauga, Fire Engineer
Jeffrey Thralls, Fire Engineer

Charley Baker, Fire Captain
Keith Dixon, Fire Captain
Nicholas Kalt, Fire Captain
Jim Farley, Fire Captain
Edmond Smith, Fire Captain

The Long Beach Fire Department is proud to have promoted such a strong and capable group of new leaders within our organization. We look forward to their continued contributions to our Department and our City.

In addition to the promotions today, two individuals were honored as Fire Department Employees of the Year. Leticia Garcia was selected as the 2015 Civilian Employee of the Year and Firefighter Will Nash was selected as the 2015 Firefighter of the Year.  Each of them were presented with certificates honoring them for their numerous contributions to the Fire Department over the last year.

Two "Unit Citations" were presented to firefighters for their heroic actions over the the last year.  Three Long Beach Police officers were also acknowledged for their heroism during a fire that occurred during the power outage back in July of 2015.

Also, a 35 year service pin was presented to Michael Robideaux, a Public Safety Dispatcher with the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications.