Santa Fe Springs honors Fire Chief Chad as he announces retirement after three decades in service

City Manager Renee Bobadilla announced at the Santa Fe Springs City Council meeting that Fire Chief Chad has decided to retire after more than 30 years in the fire service, 23 of them with Santa Fe Springs.

"By far, Chad has been an amazing partner, an amazing department head for the city of Santa Fe Springs," Bobadilla said, noting deployments to large wildfires, search and rescue after Hurricane Katrina, and regional urban search‑and‑rescue work.

Bobadilla told the council that under the chief’s leadership the department secured $1,700,000 in state homeland security funding for equipment and training, has implemented a peer‑to‑peer mental health support program, and is scheduled to add a second paramedic unit to the city’s emergency medical services in January 2026.

Chief Chad spoke briefly at the meeting and said the career "truly changed my life," thanking the men and women of the department and the council for their support. Multiple council members paid tribute, describing him as a mentor and role model and presenting ceremonial recognitions including a symbolic key to the city.

No personnel action was taken at the meeting; council members and staff expressed support and said the department has been prepared for transition plans related to ongoing initiatives.