Lake Elsinore introduces new battalion chief with wildland experience; town halls planned in Tuscany Hills and Canyon Hills

City staff introduced a new battalion chief for Battalion 2 covering parts of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and Los Pinos and emphasized his wildland firefighting background.

Dustin Reed, identified as the city’s southwest division chief, introduced the new battalion chief, saying the chief had been a captain in Temecula for the last 10 years and "has a ton of wildland background experience, which is perfect for our backdoor." The new battalion chief, who was identified only as Mike in the meeting, said he was "excited to be here" and looked forward to working in the city.

Council members said they planned outreach on fire safety. Councilman Sheridan thanked Chief Reed and Cody Wright for meeting with the Tuscany Hills homeowners association and said the city will hold a town hall there within the next 60 days; Sheridan also said a town hall will be scheduled for Canyon Hills. Councilwoman Johnson also welcomed the new battalion chief and said the goal was to keep the city quiet on the fire front.

These remarks were delivered during the city manager’s comments and council comments portions of the meeting; no personnel vote or formal appointment vote was recorded in the transcript.