Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Chief Dan Stefano was recognized at the annual conference of the California Fire Chiefs Association for his outstanding leadership during his tenure as the association’s president.
Fire department leaders from across the state of California converged in San Diego for the conference, held during the week of Sept. 13, to train, engage and recognize leadership in the state’s fire service. Chief Stefano was credited by his peers for bringing dynamic collaborative leadership and organizational oversight to the organization as the President since 2019.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as a part of our extremely talented and engaged full Board of Directors and Section Leadership of CalChiefs, particularly at this snapshot in time, as the California fire service continues to navigate back-to-back years of historic wildfires, an unprecedented pandemic, civil unrest, natural disasters, terrorism threats, behavioral and mental health challenges, and so much more,” Chief Stefano said. “The California Fire Service is stronger and more unified as ever, holding an unwavering priority of focus on our incredible women and men who serve, and most certainly to the communities and people who we all serve, 24/7/365!”
During Chief Stefano’s closing comments, he highlighted the incredible support he received from the City Council, City Manager Lori Ann Farrell-Harrison and the City Leadership Team, as well as the entire CMFR team and his family. He emphasized that only through this incredible support that he was afforded this opportunity to actively engage at both the state and national levels, with the best interests of the California Fire Service and the City of Costa Mesa in mind.
Chief Stefano passed the presidential baton to Ontario Fire Chief Ray Gayk, who was installed as the new Cal Chiefs President. CMFR Chief Stefano will remain an active member of the Cal Chiefs Executive Board and will serve as the Past President for the next term.
Stefano also thanked the Orange County’s Fire Service and the outstanding leadership team that was strongly represented through the attendance by Fountain Valley Fire Chief Ron Cookston, Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles, Orange City Fire Chief Sean deMetroplis, Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano, Orange Country Fire Authority Fire Chief Brian Fennessy, and Brea/Fullerton Fire Chief Adam Loeser.
Also a strong representation of the CMFR team was present including Division Chief Jason Pyle, Battalion Chief Chris Coates, Fire Marshal Jon Neal, Community Risk Reduction Specialist Brenda Emrick, Executive Assistant Lora Ross and Management Analyst Kristin Stevens.
