By Jorge Casuso
January 27, 2022 -- After a seven-month search, Burbank Deputy Fire Chief Danny Alvarez has been hired to head Santa Monica's Fire Department, City officials announced Thursday.
Alvarez -- who rose from firefighter to second in command during his quarter-century career in Burbank -- will lead a department of 122 sworn and 15 non-sworn personnel with an annual budget of $44.5 million.
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Alvarez will replace Interim Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe on February 28 with a starting salary of $282,048 a year.
“We had an exceptionally strong talent pool for our next Fire Chief, but ultimately, Chief Alvarez rose to the top due to his well-rounded experience, data-driven approach to management, and his commitment and track record to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said City Manager David White. |
“He also brings a deep love of the fire service and is focused on building meaningful relationships with the community and employees he serves," said White, who chose Alvarez for the post.
Alvarez is "well versed in budget and personnel management and policy development" and "has experience leading a complex department across ranks of the fire service," City officials said.
During his career in Burbank, Alvarez held numerous posts, including acting fire chief, battalion chief, fire captain, fire engineer for both hazmat and fire prevention inspection, recruitment academy instructor and urban search and rescue.
In Santa Monica, Alvarez will run a Department that operates out of five stations and the Public Safety Facility, which houses the Department’s administrative offices and Fire Prevention Division.
The Department includes two deputy chiefs, a training chief, a fire marshal and three battalion chiefs.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next fire chief for the City of Santa Monica and to be joining the City’s leadership team,” Alvarez said in a statement Thursday.
“The Santa Monica Fire Department has earned an excellent reputation as a premier fire agency that delivers unparalleled service to the community.
"I look forward to serving the City of Santa Monica and working alongside the dedicated employees of this great organization to continue the forward progression of the Santa Monica Fire Department,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez has a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency management from Waldorf University and "has engaged in extensive education and training throughout his career," City officials said.
This includes certifications from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the LAFD Leadership Academy.
He also has been accepted into the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy and is "active in regional and statewide fire service and emergency management organizations," officials said.
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