PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Fire Chief Xavier Espino announced today his retirement from the Long Beach Fire Department after nearly 37 years of service. Chief Espino began his career with Long Beach Fire in 1986 has served as Fire Chief since 2018. His last day as Chief will be Dec. 30, 2022.

“Chief Espino spent his entire career to serving our community,” said City Manager Tom Modica. “We are extremely grateful for his leadership, professionalism and ability to motivate personnel even during the most challenging of circumstances. I wish him all the best during his well-deserved retirement and quality time with his family.”

“Chief Espino embodies what it means to be a leader in public service,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “He has led our Fire Department with honor, integrity and a deep commitment to the safety of our residents. We wish him well as he journeys into retirement.”

Over the course of his nearly four-decade career, Chief Espino has served the Long Beach community in various roles within the Fire Department, including as a firefighter/paramedic, Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief. As Fire Chief, he promoted the department's first female Chief Officer, restored Fire Engine 17, dedicated the Long Beach Fire Department Captain David Rosa Regional Training Center, unveiled the new Police/Fire Memorial at the Long Beach Civic Center and revived the Long Beach Fire Department Meritorious Awards Ceremony after a 15-year hiatus. Additionally, Chief Espino led the department to become one of the first cities on the West Coast to launch a Mobile Stroke Program, in partnership with UCLA, and forged through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing staff shortages as well as the closure and relocation of Fire Station 9.

Other personal achievements throughout his career include being a principal representative in the concept, design, operation and management of the first dual Fire Academy in the Fire Department’s history, as well as a Fire Boat program manager, where he led the design, construction, acceptance, training and delivery of two world-class fire boats for the Port of Long Beach, and the opening of Fire Station 15. He is a second-generation firefighter, his father a retired Captain for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

"I have been blessed to serve as a firefighter for the Long Beach Fire Department for nearly 37 years; the past four years as the Fire Chief. It has been my honor to protect the residents who call Long Beach home, the workforce who keep Long Beach running, and the visitors who enjoy our beautiful City," said Chief Espino. "In this, our 125th Anniversary, we have proven our resilience. Though the past four years have been fraught with extremely trying issues, we have responded with dedication and resolve and find ourselves stronger for the struggle. I am personally indebted to the men and women of the Long Beach Fire Department for their selfless service and dedication to the mission." 

Chief Espino is a recognized Fire Service leader. He currently serves as the President of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association, Regional US&R Task Force Sponsoring Agency Chief Representative and is a member of the California Metro Chiefs and International Metro Chiefs Association.

In his retirement, Chief Espino plans to spend quality time with his wife, two adult children, family and friends.

Information regarding the selection process for the next Fire Chief will be announced in the near future.

About the City of Long Beach 
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Long Beach Fire Department
The mission of the Long Beach Fire Department is to protect lives, property, and the environment, improving the quality of life and safety of the community and our visitors. Visit us at longbeach.gov/fire, "Like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.