Archived News Release  

New Battalion Chief Appointed to the Moreno Valley Fire Department

On Wednesday, April 11, Riverside County Fire Chief John Hawkins announced the promotion of Mike Smith to Battalion Chief for the Moreno Valley Fire Department.

Chief Smith began his career in 1990 as a Firefighter I in the Riverside Unit for Riverside County Fire Department. He has served Riverside County Fire in a variety of roles including Firefighter II in the Cove Communities; Fire Captain in the cities of Indio and Moreno Valley; and Public Information Officer for the Riverside Unit. He has also served as a Battalion Pre-Plan Coordinator, CAIRS Administrator, Volunteer Liaison, Fire Explorer Program Manager, and Bureau Manager for Riverside County Fire. Additionally, Chief Smith currently serves as the Public Information Officer for CAL Fire's Incident Command Team 10.

The City's Fire Chief Abdul Ahmad participated in the interview process that led to Mike Smith's selection as the City's Battalion Chief. Chief Ahmad stated that "Mike Smith is very knowledgeable about the City and local area due to his three years spent in Moreno Valley as a Fire Captain and he is well educated on current firefighting strategies and techniques. Mike is very well respected by his peers and was the perfect choice to fill the vacant position."

Chief Smith's first day in Moreno Valley was Monday, April 16.

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