The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcome Douglas L. Barry as Acting Fire Chief. Chief Barry will assume Command of the LAFD when Fire Chief William Bamattre retires on January 1, 2007.

Chief Barry is a 31-year veteran of the LAFD, with an exemplary record as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Chief.

He joined the LAFD as a Firefighter on February 16, 1975, and was quickly promoted to Apparatus Operator in 1979 and Engineer in 1980. Chief Barry then earned promotions to Captain I in 1986 and Captain II in 1989.

In 1993, Chief Barry assumed command of LAFD’s Battalion 13, covering five Fire Stations in South Los Angeles. As head of Battalion 13, Chief Barry maintained strong relationships with community block clubs and churches, as well as with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

In 1995, Chief Barry took command of the LAFD’s Operations Office, where he oversaw Management of Department discipline, Worker’s Compensation, Wellness and Risk management programs. Chief Barry also served as liaison to the City Attorney’s Office and the LAPD.

Fire Chief William Bamattre appointed Chief Barry to serve as his Chief of Staff in 1996, where he served as the principal liaison to the City Council and Mayor’s Office. Chief Barry also provided leadership and oversight to the Fire Chief’s Planning Section, Employee Relations Office, and Community Relations Office.

In 1997, Chief Barry assumed command of LAFD’s Battalion 11, covering six Fire Stations in the Wilshire Corridor. As head of the Battalion, Chief Barry maintained strong relationships with chambers of commerce and a number of diverse community groups.

In 2000, Chief Barry took command of Battalion 6, in the Harbor area, overseeing operations at nine Fire Stations responsible for fire protection at the Port of Los Angeles, three major refineries and a host of heavy commercial occupancies. Chief Barry also serves as principal liaison to the United States Coast Guard, Port Authorities, the Chambers of Commerce, the shipping industry, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Long Beach Fire Department.

In 2004, Chief Barry was appointed to Assistant Chief of LAFD Division 2, covering all of South Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles International Airport and the Port of Los Angeles.

Chief Barry most recently served as Assistant Fire Marshal, managing the day-to-day operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau, which includes inspections of high-rise and commercial buildings, brush and hazardous materials processors.

Chief Barry was born and raised in the South Bay, attending Narbonne High School, L.A. Harbor College, and California State University, Long Beach. He is married and has three adult daughters.

Chief Barry has earned the respect and support of not only his fellow Firefighters, but also his community, serving as Treasurer/Trustee and Deacon of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in San Pedro.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department