Fire Chief Kurt Norwood will say goodbye to the place that has been his second home for the last 29 years, the Arcadia Fire Station, and start the next chapter of his life, retirement, on July 9.
Having served for 32 years, the Arcadia Fire Department is proud to have had Chief Norwood as a member of its agency since 1987. He demonstrated outstanding leadership and the ability to effectively manage the technical and administrative functions of the fire department.
Maintaining a constant commitment to excellence, Chief Norwood has not only been a consummate leader and an inspiration to members of the Arcadia Fire Department, he has also been a role model for all city employees.
“It will be a difficult transition into retirement. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Arcadia. I have been blessed to work alongside and lead the men and women of the Arcadia Fire Department. I consider the members of the Arcadia Fire Department an extension of my family,” said Chief Norwood. “I have witnessed firsthand the devotion and work ethic of city employees and council members, and have seen how their efforts have made Arcadia the great city it is today. Arcadia and the fire department have been so influential in my life. I am truly blessed to have spent my career here. I will miss the community, the employees, and especially the men and women of the Arcadia Fire Department.”
Chief Norwood began his career in Arcadia in March 1987 as a fire fighter, moving quickly up the ranks to fire paramedic in 1991, and rising to fire captain in 1998, where he served as an engine company and truck company captain.
From there, he was promoted to battalion chief in 2003, where he served as fire marshal and training officer, while also overseeing various fire department divisions. He was promoted to deputy fire chief in 2011, served as acting fire chief, beginning in January 2013, and was ultimately appointed fire chief in May 2014.
The city has always taken great pride in Arcadia Fire Department’s status as a Class 1 agency. Chief Norwood has fortified that distinguished classification, providing Arcadians with the best fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical, and disaster management services.
Norwood’s educational accomplishments include a bachelor’s in fire protection administration and technology, and a master’s in public administration, both from California State University, Los Angeles.
He holds numerous certifications from the California State Fire Marshal’s Office, including a Chief Officer Certification, obtained in 2002. Norwood is an active member of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association and the Foothill Fire Chiefs Association.
Chief Norwood serves as an adjunct instructor with Rio Hondo Community College Fire Technology Program, where he plans to continue teaching fire technology students preparing to enter the fire service.
“Chief Norwood is leaving a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and devotion in the Arcadia Fire Department. The group of men and women that we have protecting our city is unmatched. We owe a lot of that to the continued support and leadership of Chief Norwood,” said Mayor Tom Beck.
“Kurt has had a very positive influence on the Arcadia Fire Department and the City of Arcadia,” said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto. “His devotion to the fire service is evident in everything he does. Kurt will be missed by all, both personally and professionally.”
While Chief Norwood’s final day will be July 9, the impact he has made on the Arcadia Fire Department will not be forgotten. He will always be an esteemed member of the Arcadia “family.” An announcement on Chief Norwood’s replacement is expected in the coming weeks.
