News Summary
Fire Chief Dan Stefano is set to retire at the end of December after 30 years in fire service, significantly impacting Costa Mesa and Orange County. His leadership in fire and rescue initiatives, including infrastructure projects and community outreach programs, has enhanced local public safety. Known for his collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stefano leaves a legacy of innovation and community engagement, with a strong focus on teamwork and resilience.
Costa Mesa – Fire Chief Dan Stefano has announced his retirement from the city of Costa Mesa, effective at the end of December, bringing an end to a notable 30-year career in fire service. Serving as the chief of Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue since 2013, Stefano has made a lasting impact on the community and the broader Orange County area through his leadership and innovative initiatives.
The announcement was made in a press release issued by city officials, where City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly acknowledged Stefano’s significant contributions to public safety and community service. Under his leadership, the Fire Department has seen the completion of essential infrastructure projects, including the opening of Fire Station No. 6 and the rebuilding of Stations 1 and 2, which have enhanced service capabilities for residents.
Currently, Stefano is overseeing the development of a regional training facility, which aims to improve the training and preparedness of local firefighters. Additionally, he implemented a revenue-generating ambulance transportation program that has not only increased funding for the department but also enhanced community risk reduction and outreach efforts. These outreach initiatives include the establishment of programs such as the Community Emergency Response Team, Fire Cadets, Citizen’s Fire Academy, and Fire Corps, all of which engage volunteers and promote safety education.
Stefano’s leadership was particularly noteworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he collaborated with local elected officials to transform the Orange County fairgrounds into a testing and vaccination super site. This involved establishing joint emergency communication and operations centers that brought together police and fire personnel, showcasing his ability to navigate complex crises effectively.
Stefano has been actively involved in charitable efforts, including participation in the annual Motorhome Madness event to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, which he believes has contributed to the Fire Department’s many successes over the years.
Stefano’s career in fire service began in 1994 after a transformative ride-along experience. Prior to his role in Costa Mesa, he served in the Laguna Beach Fire Department, where he advanced from reserve firefighter to division chief. He holds a master’s degree in public policy administration from Cal State Long Beach as well as an executive leadership master’s degree from USC, equipping him with the skills necessary for effective leadership in emergency services.
His tenure in Costa Mesa is marked by a turnaround for the fire department, following a period that included several interim chiefs and considerations for potential outsourcing of services. Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens recognized Stefano for his leadership during challenging crises, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping a resilient and effective fire service in the community.
In professional circles, Stefano has served as the past president of the California Fire Chiefs Association and was recently inducted into the Fire Chief’s Hall of Fame in 2023, further underscoring his commitment to the fire service. As he prepares to retire, Stefano suggests that the timing is right for new leadership within the department but also hints at future endeavors, expressing a belief that he still has more to contribute to the community.
With a legacy of dedicated service, innovative programs, and community engagement, Fire Chief Dan Stefano’s retirement marks the end of a significant era for the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue and the community it serves.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Fire Chief Dan Stefano Preps for Last Call
- Orange County Register: Crews Knock Down Smoky Commercial Fire
- Fire Engineering: Huntington Beach Hires New Fire Chief
- Triathlete: Fire Captain and Triathlete Mike Kreza
- MyNewsLA: Former Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bill McQuaid
- Wikipedia: Fire Department
- Google Search: Fire Service Leadership
- Google Scholar: Fire Chief Retirement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Fighters
- Google News: Fire Department Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
