Dennis Buchanan, who was most recently the deputy chief of support services for the Long Beach Fire Department, has been appointed as the new fire chief, effective immediately, the city announced today.
Buchanan replaces former Fire Chief Xavier Espino, who retired from the LBFD at the end of last year.
The decision also makes Buchanan the city’s first Black-and-Latino LBFD chief.
“The Long Beach Fire Department must reflect the diversity of our city and strive to meet the evolving needs of those we serve,” Buchanan said in a statement. “We must provide opportunities to those that aspire to have careers in public safety and promote professional growth within our organization.”
Buchanan comes into his new role as the department faces pressure to cut its budget even as firefighters already report feeling “broken” by the demands of their job, according to a report the city released last year after the Post reported its findings.
As chief, Buchanan will oversee more than 500 staff with an annual operating budget of $154 million, according to the city.
A Southern California native, Buchanan started his career with the LBFD in 1992 as a firefighter before serving as a paramedic. He was eventually promoted to fire captain in 2002, then to battalion chief and assistant chief in 2019 before most recently being assigned to the support services bureau.
Buchanan played professional soccer in Mexico, Brazil, and Holland prior to starting his career as a firefighter.
“I’m happy to announce Dennis Buchanan as the City’s next Fire Chief. Chief Buchanan is a true professional and community-oriented manager, who I know will take us to the next level of professionalism and service to our community,” said City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement. “I have confidence that Chief Buchanan will lead with distinction, fostering a strong culture of service and honor, professionalism and accountability, and diversity and inclusion in our Fire Department.”
Buchanan lives in Long Beach with his wife and two children. He most recently also served as the President of the Friends of Long Beach Firefighters, a local nonprofit organization that supports community-based initiatives for the fire service, according to the city.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to correct the spelling of Tom Modica’s last name.