“Deputy Chief Sarjeant is a highly capable leader with a wide range of experience, and I am confident that he will do an excellent job in this role,” Mr. West said.
Sarjeant’s new role is effective Saturday, April 7 and will continue until West appoints a new chief to replace former Chief Alan Patalano, who recently retired. That process is expected to take approximately three months, and both external and internal candidates will be considered.
“I have enjoyed every assignment and position I have held in the fire service, and I will continue to do my professional and personal best for the Long Beach Fire Department in this role,” Sarjeant said.
Sarjeant was promoted to his current rank in June 2010 and is responsible for the Operations Bureau, which includes field personnel, emergency medical services (EMS) education and training, and the Marine Safety Division.
Sarjeant began his career with the Long Beach Fire Department in November 1986 and has held a variety of positions, including firefighter, paramedic/firefighter, captain and battalion chief.
He has earned numerous training certificates and is a member of multiple regional public safety committees, including the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs, Operations Section; Terrorist Working Group; and the Area Maritime Security Council.
