HUNTINGTON BEACH Fire Department has nearly 200 full-time personnel and 150 seasonal lifeguards. A new fire chief is expected to be approved on Monday (HBFD photo).

Huntington Beach City Manager Oliver Chi has announced the appointment of Scott Haberle as the city’s next fire chief, effective Feb. 10. Haberle will join Huntington Beach with 27 years of fire service experience, with the past five years in the capacity of fire chief for the City of Monterey Park. The City Council will consider ratifying Haberle’s employment contract on Monday, Jan. 21.

“We are so pleased to welcome Chief Haberle to Surf City,” said Chi. “Throughout the assessment process, Scott consistently demonstrated himself to be a talented and forward-thinking leader who embraces the city’s team-oriented approach to public service.”

SCOTT HABERLE, expected to be confirmed as Huntington Beach’s new fire chief (City of Huntington Beach).

Haberle brings with him to Huntington Beach a track record of citywide collaboration aiming at enhanced emergency service delivery and conservative fiscal management. His fire service career has given him a wide variety of experience in emergency operations, community disaster preparedness, emergency medical services, community risk reduction, and fire prevention. Of note, Haberle earned the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy, which is one of the highest designations for fire executives.

“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to serve the Huntington Beach community as its fire chief and lead the fine men and women of the department into the next decade,” Haberle said. “It is a tremendous honor to follow Chief [David] Segura, who has done an outstanding job leading the department while building strong relationships within the community.”

Haberle is set to replace retiring Huntington Beach Fire Chief David Segura, who has served as interim chief while a national recruitment process was conducted by Ralph Anderson & Associates. “For almost four years, I have had the privilege of serving as Fire Chief for the Huntington Beach Fire Department,” Segura said. “During that time, I have observed that our firefighters and lifeguards consistently provide unparalleled service to the public with compassion, dignity, and excellence. I will miss working with our council and staff, however, I will continue to make HB my home,” he said.

Upon his appointment, Haberle will assume leadership for one of the premier fire department agencies in the country. With nearly 200 full-time personnel and 150 seasonal lifeguards, will be responsible for managing eight fire stations, a marine safety division, and an annual operating budget of approximately $50 million.

Haberle and his wife Cathy have been married for 23 years and have three teenage children. They enjoy spending time together attending school and sporting activities.

Upon his appointment, Haberle will assume leadership for one of the premier fire department agencies in the country. With nearly 200 full-time personnel and 150 seasonal lifeguards, will be responsible for managing eight fire stations, a marine safety division, and an annual operating budget of approximately $50 million.

Haberle and his wife Cathy have been married for 23 years and have three teenage children. They enjoy spending time together attending school and sporting activities.