Kurt Norwood named new fire chief for Arcadia

Arcadia City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto has appointed Kurt Norwood to the position of Arcadia Fire Chief, effective May 1, 2014. Mr. Norwood is currently the Acting Fire Chief for the City of Arcadia.
Accepting the appointment, Mr. Norwood said: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity provided me by the City Council and City Manager to serve the residents of Arcadia in the capacity of Fire Chief. I am appreciative of their support and confidence in my ability to maintain the high standards of performance and professionalism that the men and women of the Arcadia Fire Department exemplify. I am honored to lead these same men and women and serve this great community.”
Hired by the Arcadia Fire Department in 1987 as a Fire Crewman, later that year Kurt went on to become a Firefighter. In 1998 he was promoted to Captain and in 2004 to Battalion Chief, where he assumed duties as Fire Marshal and Emergency Medical Services Fire Chief. In 2011, Kurt was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief.
Kurt’s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Kurt is an Adjunct Instructor for Rio Hondo Community College in the Fire Technology Division, covering such topics as Command, Prevention, Management and Emergency Medical Services.
“Kurt’s experience with the Arcadia Fire Department, especially his recent tenure as Deputy and Acting Chief, position him perfectly to move into the Department’s lead post,” said City Manager Lazzaretto. “Kurt has had the opportunity to manage all aspects of the Fire Department and has proven himself to be an effective leader and strong member of the City’s Executive Team.”
Chief Norwood succeeds Chief Tony Trabbie who retired April 30.

-Courtesy Photo

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