For the first time in its 122-year existence, the Long Beach Fire Department will get its first female Battalion Chief on Saturday.

Karen Rindone will work as the District 1 Battalion Chief in what is described in a news release as a “major milestone” for the department.

“It was a long, strenuous, and fair process that allowed me to learn and prepare for the position of Battalion Chief,” Rindone said in a written statement of the process associated with getting the promotion.

Battalion Chief Karen Rindone. Courtesy of LBFD.

Rindone has worked for the department since 2004 and was a firefighter for six years.

This isn’t the first “milestone” promotion for her. In 2010, Rindone became the first female promoted to the rank of Engineer, where she was responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the assigned fire apparatus, i.e. the engine and its’ equipment. Then in 2015, she was promoted to Fire Captain.

“It is an honor and a privilege to promote Captain Karen Rindone to the position of Battalion Chief,” Fire Chief Xavier Espino stated. “She has broken the glass ceiling and prepared a pathway for future female Chief Officers. I fully expect Chief Rindone to excel at her new position and to mentor those, who are to follow.”

Valerie Osier is the Social Media & Newsletter Manager for the Long Beach Post. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ValerieOsier