Farewell Chief Terrazas, and Thank You

Fire Chief RALPH M. TERRAZAS will retire from the LOS ANGELES (City) FIRE DEPARTMENT effective March 26, 2022, with 38 years of service. He was hired on December 18, 1983, and has served unselfishly and professionally in the following ranks:

Firefighter - December 18, 1983
Fire Inspector I - June 30, 1989
Fire Captain I - June 14, 1992
Fire Captain II - August 31, 1997
Battalion Chief - July 2, 2000
Assistant Chief - July 24, 2005
Fire Chief - August 8, 2014

Chief Terrazas achieved success in the most challenging of assignments and faithfully served the City of Los Angeles at the following locations:

Fire Stations: 33, 65, 64, 57, 25, 94, 26, 37, 61, and 2
Fire Prevention Bureau: Hazardous Materials Unit
Recruit Training: Drill Tower 40
Planning Section
Community Liaison Officer
Professional Standards Division
Administration Bureau (Fire Chief’s Office)

During his service he dealt with countless emergencies, disasters, and noteworthy events:

Fire Stat Section
LAUSD Firefighter High School Magnet Program
Everyone Goes Home Program
Advanced Provider Response Unit Program
Fast Response Vehicle Program
Sober Unit Program
Therapeutic Mental Health Van Pilot Program
Telemedicine Program
Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Program
COVID-19 Division which tested over 5 million people and vaccinated over 1.5 million
Thermal Imaging Cameras for all on-duty Firefighters
Firefighting Robot
First Electric Fire Engine in North America
Hired over 1000 new Firefighters

The Los Angeles City Fire Department is extremely grateful for his devoted, loyal, and invaluable service, and for providing professional expertise and knowledge to benefit the City of Los Angeles. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and rewarding retirement.