One week after Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Chief Wally Hebeish announced his retirement, Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan has also announced his retirement.
Before becoming Chief, Buchanan graduated from Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB) with a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Education. He has served in many roles since joining the LBFD in 1993, including deputy chief, assistant chief of Support Services, battalion chief, fire captain, paramedic and firefighter.
“I am incredibly proud of the men and women of this Department, whose dedication, professionalism and courage make a difference in our community every day,” Fire Chief Buchanan said in a public statement. “The accomplishments achieved during my time as Fire Chief are a reflection of their hard work, the support of our City partners and our shared commitment to protecting the people of Long Beach.”
Chief Buchanan has served as LBFD since February 2023, overseeing around 790 sworn and civilian staff who provide fire and emergency response services spanning five bureaus and nine divisions, with an annual operating budget of roughly $200 million.
During his 18 years as Fire Captain, he spent eight in the Port of Long Beach as a hazardous materials (HazMat) program specialist and three years educating recruits in the fire academy.
After Xavier Espino retired, Buchanan became the City’s first Black/Latinx Fire Chief when appointed in 2023.
“Chief Buchanan has spent more than three decades serving Long Beach, and his leadership has left our Fire Department stronger, more prepared and more connected to the community it serves,” said City Manager Tom Modica in a public statement. “Chief Buchanan brought a clear focus on meeting the evolving needs of our community, all while maintaining a deep commitment to professionalism, accountability and genuine care for the men and women of our LBFD. His legacy will be felt for years to come, and we are deeply grateful for his service.”
As Fire Chief, Buchanan addressed ambulance shortages and delays by establishing the Peak Load Paramedic Ambulance Unit, a service delivery model that reduced response times by increasing ambulance resources during the busiest hours of the day. Chief Buchanan also led the largest fire academy in LBFD history, with 50 recruits in 2025.
Under his leadership, two new fire stations were opened —Stations 20 and 9 — and six fire stations received major renovations and modernization. The department added new equipment, contracted with health clinicians and updated its physical wellness program to support the physical and mental health of the people who serve Long Beach.
Buchanan’s last day of service will be Dec. 11, when he will also celebrate the graduation of the 2026A Fire Academy.
The City Manager will conduct a national recruitment process that will allow for well-qualified candidates both internally and externally, with an announcement of the next Fire Chief expected in early 2027.
