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. “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.”
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.
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. 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 his wife Maria have two grown children, Jordon, 24 and Brooklyn, 21. Ferguson and his wife will be introduced to the community at the March 9 City Council meeting.
“Scott will be the right person to lead the department,” said Gould. “His references and all who interviewed him are most impressed with his skill, energy, leadership, and integrity.”
Christopher Rosacker
Mirror Editorchris@smmirror.com
