02/10/2023
The Long Beach Fire Department is excited to announce that Deputy Chief Dennis Buchanan has been selected as our next Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan will be the 19th fire chief in the 126-year history of the Long Beach Fire Department. He is also the first Black/Latinx Fire Chief in our City.
Serving the Long Beach community since November 15, 1993, he credits his passion for community service as his inspiration for joining the fire service. For nearly three decades, Fire Chief Buchanan has embodied the Long Beach Fire Department’s mission to improve the quality of life and safety in the community.
“What an amazing honor it is to have been selected for the position of Fire Chief for the Long Beach Fire Department,” stated Chief Buchanan. “I am humbled by this opportunity and am thankful for the support of those that supported me through this process.”
Prior to being selected to lead the Long Beach Fire Department, Fire Chief Buchanan served as the Deputy Chief of Support Services since January 2021. Before that, Dennis served many roles within the Department, including Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief. During his 18 years as Fire Captain, Dennis spent eight years in the Port as a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) program specialist and three years educating Recruits in the Fire Academy. His most memorable experience remains to break bread with his brothers and sisters inside the fire station.
Dennis received his Bachelor of Science in Vocational Education from California State University, Long Beach. He recently served as the President of the Friends of Long Beach Firefighters, a local non-profit organization that supports community-based initiatives for the fire service.
Fire Chief Buchanan is a Southern California native growing up in West Covina. Dennis has been married to his wife, Laura, for 29 years, they have two adult children, and reside in Long Beach. He played professional soccer internationally and enjoys backpacking, surfing, and camping.
When asked about his vision for the department's future, Chief Buchanan states that two of his priorities will focus on engagement and opportunity. Chief Buchanan believes that the fire service of today must take a proactive approach by intently listening to the needs of the community.
Chief Buchanan stated, “The Long Beach Fire Department must reflect the diversity of our city and strive to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. We must provide opportunities to those that aspire to have careers in public safety and promote professional growth within our organization.”
Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan will assume his new role effective immediately.
Long Beach Firefighters
Long Beach Lifeguard Association
Press Release: http://bit.ly/3RIPNYe
