Jaime Moore Appointed as Los Angeles Fire Department Chief
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced today the appointment of Jaime Moore as the new chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), making her the first woman to lead the department in its 140-year history.
Moore, a 25-year veteran of the LAFD, has held various leadership positions within the department, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Operations. The appointment, effective immediately, comes after a nationwide search to replace former Chief Ralph Terrazas, who retired earlier this year. This selection signals a potential shift in departmental strategy and a focus on modernizing emergency response in the nation’s second-largest city.
“Jaime is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the LAFD,” said Mayor Bass in a statement. “Her commitment to innovation, community engagement, and the well-being of our firefighters makes her the ideal candidate to lead this vital department.” Moore’s career includes significant contributions to the department’s emergency medical services and urban search and rescue capabilities. You can learn more about the LAFD’s history and structure on the official LAFD website.
The Los Angeles City Council must confirm the appointment, a process expected to take place within the coming weeks. The National Fire Protection Association offers resources on fire department leadership and best practices. Mayor Bass indicated that Moore will immediately begin working on strategies to address increasing wildfire risks and improve response times across the city.