July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Fire Chief Bill Walker to Leave Department for Texas

Chief moving to Texas to head up new position, be closer to family 

By Sam Catanzaro

Santa Monica’s fire chief is stepping down after five years helming the department to head up a Texas fire department and be closer to his family. 

On May 11, Santa Monica’s fire chief Bill Walker announced he will be departing his post of five years to head up the City of Bedford Fire Department in Texas. Walker has served as Chief of the Santa Monica Fire Department since 2016. His last day will be June 4, 2021. The City will appoint an Acting Fire Chief while the City conducts a nationwide recruitment

According to Walker, another factor behind the decision was to be closer to his family. 

“For the last five years it has been my honor to represent Santa Monica as the Fire Chief. This is an amazing place, and I am extremely proud of all the accomplishments we have made together,” Walker said upon his decision to leave. “My two kids are both in the Dallas Fort Worth area and graduating college soon, so we are excited about the opportunity to be reunited in Texas.” 

Walker in his announcement touted the opening of two new fire stations and helping the Department utilize technology as some of the work he is most proud of during his five year tenure. 

“As I reflect on my time here, I am proud of the many key projects that we have completed. I say ‘we’ because it was a team effort and it was our members that got so many things accomplished. We were able to completely transform our use of technology, improve our logistical support to our Firefighters- ensuring they had the uniforms, turnouts, tools, equipment, fire apparatus, and stations to do the job at the highest level. This included building the all new Fire Station 1 and establishing Fire Station 7. While there is always more to do, I know the team here in Santa Monica will continue to provide the highest level of service, and to make a difference every day,” Walker said. 

“I know that it is a challenge to have turnover in any organization, and I’m confident that the Santa Monica Fire Department is well prepared to handle this transition.  We have an excellent group of leaders who will keep the fire department moving forward as always,” Walker added. 

In addition, Mayor Sue Himmelrich highlighted Walker’s leadership helping battling wildfires across California. 

“Santa Monica could not have had a better leader to see us through a period of significant transformation as our fire department stepped into the 21st century while heading to the frontlines of California’s most severe wildfires,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “Bill is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and we’ve been fortunate to have benefited from his talents, expertise, and partnership over the last five years. Though we will miss him dearly, we understand and support his decision to prioritize being closer to his family in Texas, particularly after the last year of separation caused by the pandemic.”

in News
<>Related Posts

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...