Veteran assistant chief has been selected by Mayor Eric Garcetti to be the next permanent head of the Los Angeles Fire Department as it moves to address issues involving staff reductions, hiring practices, lagging response times and outdated technology.
The choice of Ralph M. Terrazas came after a nationwide search for a replacement for former Chief Brian Cummings, who retired in October under pressure from Garcetti, who made improving the LAFD a cornerstone of his successful campaign last year.
Terrazas, 54, has a long career with the LAFD, working his way up through the agency. He has served in the department more than 30 years.
He recently served as the top commander overseeing fire responses in the southern section of the city. He previously was the head of the internal watchdog unit that investigates allegations of wrongdoing by firefighters.
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