LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed a new fire chief. The announcement was made during a press conference Friday afternoon.
Deputy Chief Jaime E. Moore, who has been serving as commander of the L.A. Fire Department’s Operations Valley Bureau, was named LAFD fire chief.
“Chief Moore is a proven and admired firefighter. Our work together will focus on reforming the LAFD to better prepare Los Angeles for major emergencies and the upcoming major events coming to our region,” Bass said. “And I can think of no better leader for the thousands of heroes of the Los Angeles Fire Department, whose bravery keeps us safe every day.”
“It is an incredible honor to have been nominated to serve as Fire Chief of this world-class organization. One built on courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Los Angeles,” Chief Moore said.
“To the members of the LAFD, sworn civilians and our volunteers, thank you for your dedication and professionalism. You are the heart of this department and my priority is to support you to ensure your safety, your growth and your ability to serve to the highest standard,” Moore added. “Together, we will continue advancing a culture rooted in integrity, respect and teamwork”
“As your next Chief, I will work to implement strategic changes that reflect what the department needs and what Angelenos deserve,” Moore said. “Those changes include preparations for major disasters, including pre-deployment and staffing, preparation for upcoming world events like the World Cup, the Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games; improving morale and the culture within the Los Angeles Fire Department, ensuring our department is equipped with the essential resources, staffing and the support that is needed; increasing innovation, adoption of technology and the use of data to keep Los Angeles safe.”
Before taking any questions from the press, Chief Moore gave his statement of appreciation in Spanish, saying, “It’s important that we remember our Latino community.”
Moore was born in Delhi, Louisiana but has spent most of his life in Southern California. His mother immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico and he grew up speaking both English and Spanish. He says that he is proud of his Latino heritage.
Chief Moore graduated from Santa Monica High School, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA, earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Emergency Management from CSULB, has earned the prestigious Executive Fire Officer Certification from the National Fire Academy, attended Cornell University where he completed certificate programs in both Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for HR and Conflict Resolution, and has been awarded the designation of Chief Fire Officer though the Center of Public Safety Excellence.
LAFD describes Moore as “a progressive fire service leader who advocates education, the importance of knowing your job, and promotes empathy towards others and kindness to all.”
Moore joined the L.A. Fire Department in 1995 and was promoted to Captain in 2003, followed by Captain II in 2008. He also served as a Public Information Officer for the LAFD and various Incident Management Teams across the state before being promoted to Battalion Chief in 2014.
Chief Moore was one of the founding Board Members of Harbor Connects – Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a non-profit organization that supports neighbors and service providers in the fight against poverty and homelessness.
In 2023, Chief Moore was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations South Bureau and opened the LAFD’s Equity and Human Resources Bureau — dedicated to improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the LAFD.
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