Politics & Government

City Appoints New Fire Chief

Ralph Mundell has spent most of his firefighting career in Beverly Hills.

The city appointed Interim Fire Chief Ralph Mundell as permanent fire chief, announced Friday.

Mundell, a 28-year veteran of the Beverly Hills Fire Department, has served as fire chief since Chief Tim Scranton retired earlier in 2013. 

“Chief Mundell is a person of outstanding leadership abilities, experience and ethics and is devoted to public service,” said City Manager Jeff Kolin. “We are extremely fortunate to have him in our ranks and for his willingness to step up to the position as chief.”

Chief Mundell was appointed after a rigorous internal recruitment process. He has spent most of his firefighting career in the Beverly Hills, moving up through the ranks from an entry-level firefighter position in 1986 to fire engineer, fire captain, fire marshal and battalion chief. 

Among the many recognitions received for his job performance, Ralph has received the Felix Rothschild Firefighter of the Year Award, and twice earned the Harvey Adair Award for Meritorious Service. His vast knowledge of firefighting and emergency operations includes expertise in complex rescue operations, hazardous materials and wild fire behavior.


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