Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan To Retire

BELMONT SHORE-NAPLES, CA — Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan will retire Dec. 11, ending more than three decades of service with the Long Beach Fire Department.

His final day will include celebrating the graduation of the department’s 2026A Fire Academy.

Buchanan has led the department since February 2023, overseeing approximately 790 sworn and civilian employees and an annual operating budget of about $200 million. He is the city’s first Black and Latino fire chief upon his appointment.

City Manager Tom Modica praised Buchanan's leadership, saying he has made the department "stronger, more prepared and more connected to the community it serves."

"Chief Buchanan brought a clear focus on meeting the evolving needs of our community, all while maintaining a deep commitment to professionalism, accountability and genuine care for the men and women of our LBFD," Modica said in a statement. "His legacy will be felt for years to come, and we are deeply grateful for his service. I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Buchanan joined the department in 1993 and served as a firefighter, paramedic, fire captain, battalion chief, assistant chief of support services and deputy chief. During his 18 years as a captain, he spent eight years working as a hazardous materials program specialist at the Port of Long Beach and three years training recruits at the fire academy.

As chief, Buchanan introduced the Peak Load Paramedic Ambulance Unit to address ambulance shortages and delays. The program increased ambulance availability during the busiest hours, reducing response times, according to the city.

His tenure also included the opening of new facilities for Fire Stations 20 and 9, along with major renovations and modernization at six other stations.

He expanded recruitment efforts, improved the Prospective Recruit Exercise Program and developed partnerships with local schools to help people pursue firefighting careers, according to the city. In 2025, the department welcomed its largest academy class, with 50 recruits.

Buchanan also prioritized employee health by adding equipment, contracting with health clinicians and updating the department’s physical wellness program. He established the Professional Standards Division to strengthen accountability, professionalism and consistent standards of conduct.

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women of this Department, whose dedication, professionalism and courage make a difference in our community every day,” Buchanan said in a statement. “The accomplishments achieved during my time as Fire Chief are a reflection of their hard work, the support of our City partners and our shared commitment to protecting the people of Long Beach.”

Buchanan earned a bachelor’s degree in vocational education from California State University, Long Beach. He recently served as president of Friends of Long Beach Firefighters, a nonprofit organization supporting community initiatives related to the fire service.

A Southern California native and former international professional soccer player, Buchanan and his wife, Laura, have been married for more than 30 years and have two adult children, city officials said. In retirement, he plans to volunteer at national and state parks, participate in missionary work in Central and South America, and spend time surfing, backpacking, gardening and traveling internationally.

The city manager will conduct a nationwide search for Buchanan’s successor, considering candidates from within and outside the department, officials said. The city expects to appoint a new fire chief early next year.