Ralph M. Terrazas Confirmed as New Los Angeles Fire Chief

LOS ANGELES – Ralph M. Terrazas was confirmed today by the Los Angeles City Council as the new Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Terrazas, the 18th Fire Chief of the LAFD since its founding in 1886, was selected to lead the Department by Mayor Eric Garcetti after his office conducted a nationwide search for a new LAFD leader.

“I am honored and humbled to begin leading the 3,200 men and women of the LAFD as their Fire Chief, said Terrazas. “It’s an exciting and challenging time to be taking the helm and together we will re-double our efforts to transform the LAFD into a metric-driven, technologically sophisticated, community-focused organization that reflects the communities we serve.”

Fire Commission President Delia Ibarra welcomed him to the new role and said, “The Commissioners and I congratulate Chief Terrazas on his confirmation as Fire Chief and we look forward to working in partnership with him as we continue to foster dynamic and positive changes to the LAFD.”

Terrazas is a 31-year Department veteran who most recently served as an Assistant Chief overseeing the South Division. As a Division Commander, Terrazas was responsible for leading, managing, and training the approximately 500 members on duty at 54 fire stations throughout seven battalion commands. The South Division command covers half of the City and includes the complex institutions of the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport.


Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department