Deputy Fire Chief - Community Risk Reduction Officer

Deputy Fire Chief - Community Risk Reduction Officer

The City of Sierra Madre is seeking an experienced, prevention-focused fire service leader to serve as its next Deputy Fire Chief – Community Risk Reduction Officer. Reporting directly to the Fire Chief and serving as the Department's second-in-command, this position provides strategic leadership for the City's Community Risk Reduction Division, fire prevention operations, and emergency management programs. The Deputy Fire Chief plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates a broad portfolio of activities that protect life, property, and the community's long-term resilience.

The Deputy Fire Chief leads and mentors staff responsible for fire inspections, code enforcement, permit issuance, plan review, fire protection systems review, and construction inspections, ensuring consistent application of the California Fire Code and local ordinances.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final date to receive applications: JULY, 31, 2026

EXTERNAL PANEL INTERVIEW: WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2026

EXECUTIVE TEAM INTERVIEW: WEEK OF AUGUST 17, 2026

FIRE CHIEF EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW: WEEK OF AUGUST 24, 2026

The Sierra Madre Fire Department is a progressive, all-risk agency proudly serving the community from a centrally located station in downtown Sierra Madre. The Department provides comprehensive fire protection, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency management for a primarily residential city within the wildland-urban interface. The organization operates on a three-platoon, 48/96 schedule to ensure 24-hour coverage, with highly trained personnel delivering both strong command presence and paramedic-level care on every shift.

The Department maintains robust automatic and mutual aid partnerships with regional agencies and participates in the Verdugo Fire Communications system, ensuring the closest appropriate resources respond regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. With roots dating back to 1921 and a transition to a full career department in 2019, SMFD combines its proud volunteer legacy with modern, prevention-focused leadership to reduce wildfire risk, strengthen community resilience, and provide exceptional service to residents, businesses, and visitors.

Department Leadership & Command Responsibilities:

• Serves as the Fire Chief's second-in-command, assuming command in the Chief's absence.
• Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Community Risk Reduction Division.
• Assists in policy development, budget planning, and departmental administration.
• Represents the Fire Department at City Council meetings, community events, and interagency collaborations.
• Responds to significant emergency incidents as part of the Department's command staff.
• Oversees and manages department personnel, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with regulations.

Community Risk Reduction & Public

Education:

• Develops and implements comprehensive risk reduction strategies tailored to the City of Sierra Madre.
• Coordinates and delivers public education programs, including fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and life safety training.
• Serves as the Fire Department's Public Information Officer (PIO), coordinating public safety messaging through media and outreach.
• Develops partnerships with community organizations, schools, and local businesses to enhance fire prevention efforts.

Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, & Plan Review:

• Oversees and conducts fire prevention inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and national fire codes and enforces corrective actions when violations are identified.
• Supervises fire prevention personnel responsible for conducting inspections, issuing permits, and reviewing construction plans.
• Works with architects, engineers, and developers to ensure adherence to fire safety standards.

Emergency Response & Fire Investigations:

• Responds to significant emergencies to support incident command operations.
• Conducts fire cause and origin investigations and collaborates with law enforcement agencies on arson investigations.
• Provides technical…