Scott Ferguson, current Fire Chief of Manhattan Beach, will replace Jim Hone as Santa Monica’s Fire Chief, City Manager Rod Gould announced February 22.
“The experience I’ve gained throughout my career has prepared me for this new challenge,” said Ferguson. “The Santa Monica Fire Department serves a dream community. I look forward to developing lasting partnerships to build on the strong foundation laid by Chief Hone so that together we can hold the community’s pride and resources well in hand.”
During his tenure as Fire Chief in Manhattan Beach, Ferguson completed a strategic plan for the department, refined professional development for its members and forged relationships with regional stakeholders in emergency response and preparedness.
Before becoming Fire Chief of Manhattan Beach, Ferguson was a chief officer of two growing agencies in Peoria, Arizona and Vancouver, Washington. As a fire officer, his work was wide ranging from building fire stations, implementing succession planning and fire service best practices. He served in Peoria from 2002 to 2007 and in Vancouver from 1988 to 2002.
Ferguson received a Master’s degree in Management from Wayland Baptist University in Phoenix, Arizona. He and Maria have two grown children, Jordon 24 and Brooklyn 21.
As Santa Monica Fire Chief, Ferguson will receive a base salary of $198,168. The appointment follows a nationwide recruitment that attracted more than 67 candidates and interviews with 20 finalists over the past month.
“Chief Scott Ferguson is a fast rising star in the fire profession. His references and all who interviewed him are most impressed with his skill, energy, leadership and integrity. His passion is training to ensure a solid foundation in fire tactics while employing innovation, collaboration and accountability in the departments he has managed. Scott will be the right person to lead the department,” said a statement released by Gould’s office.
Ferguson and his wife Maria will be introduced by Gould at the March 9 Council meeting, welcoming them to the community.
STAFF REPORT
Santa Monica Mirrorstaff@smmirror.com
