Nov. 10—Long Beach Fire Department Chief Xavier Espino will retire later this year, ending a 37-year tenure with the agency and a four-year stint as the city's top firefighter.
The city announced Espino's retirement on Thursday morning, Nov. 10. His last day is set for Dec. 30.
Information on his eventual successor was not known as of Thursday.
"I have been blessed to serve as a firefighter for the Long Beach Fire Department for nearly 37 years," Espino said in a statement. "It has been my honor to protect the residents who call Long Beach home, the workforce who keep Long Beach running, and the visitors who enjoy our beautiful City,.
"In this, our 125th Anniversary, we have proven our resilience," he added. "Though the past four years have been fraught with extremely trying issues, we have responded with dedication and resolve and find ourselves stronger for the struggle. I am personally indebted to the men and women of the Long Beach Fire Department for their selfless service and dedication to the mission."
Espino worked his way up the ranks over his nearly four-decade career, from firefighter to battalion chief and then assistant chief and, eventually, the top spot.
His accomplishments as chief, the city said in its announcement, include promoting the first female chief officer in LBFD's history, restoring Fire Engine 17, dedicating the Captain David Rosa Regional Training Center and unveiling the new Police/Fire Memorial at the Civic Center, and bringing back the Meritorious Awards Ceremony — following a 15-year absence.
Espino is also the president of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association.
But his tenure has not been without its challenges.
He was appointed chief in October 2018, less than four months after fire Capt. David Rosa was fatally shot while responding to an explosion at a high-rise senior-living complex. Rosa's death shook the department and the region, with thousands attending his memorial service and leading the city naming the training center after him.
In 2019, Fire Station 9 was shut down because of mold. The crews there had to be relocated while the city sought a new permanent location.
And then there was the coronavirus pandemic. The Fire Department was among the public agencies that helped respond to that crisis, even as they dealt with staffing shortages because of firefighters and paramedics testing positive for the coronavirus.
"We are extremely grateful for his leadership, professionalism and ability to motivate personnel even during the most challenging of circumstances," City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement. "I wish him all the best during his well-deserved retirement and quality time with his family."
But Espino's tenure will end with a positive accomplishment: Last month, the city agreed to new labor contracts with both the firefighters and lifeguard unions.
Both contracts will last through September 2025 and provide general wage increases across employee designations, according to city staff reports from this week's council meeting. The combined contracts will cost the city about $15.4 million over the next three years — the vast majority, a tad more than $14 million, will go to the Long Beach Firefighters Association.
" Chief Espino embodies what it means to be a leader in public service," Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. "He has led our Fire Department with honor, integrity and a deep commitment to the safety of our residents. We wish him well as he journeys into retirement."
Long Beach will announce the process for selecting Espino's successor in the near future, the city said.
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