Long Beach fire Chief Michael A. DuRee is retiring Oct. 5, after six years at the helm of the department where he began his career as a firefighter in 1994, the city announced Tuesday.
DuRee’s last day with the city will be Oct. 5. The city manager will conduct an internal recruitment for the next chief and announce the appointment prior to DuRee’s departure, according to statement released by Alejandra Basquez, director of the human resources department.
DuRee, who was born and raised in the city, is a fourth-generation Long Beach firefighter and a fifth-generation city employee.
“It was my dream, as a child, to follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather and join the Long Beach Fire Department,” he said in a statement released by the city. “I am thankful for everything the city has provided me and my family throughout my career. The Long Beach Fire Department is one of the finest fire service organizations in the country, and I am honored to say that I have been a part of our shared success. I am confident that the department will continue to exceed the expectations of, and do amazing work for, our community.”
DuRee said he plans to spend more time with family and travel, and will continue to work with the California Fire Chiefs Association, where he previously served as president, and the International Metro Chiefs Association on issues that affect firefighters.
DuRee is also a past president of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association, representing 31 fire departments throughout Los Angeles County.
During his tenure, DuRee is credited with establishing the HEART team, which does outreach to the city’s homeless; improving the structure of the recruit selection process, resulting in greater entry-level diversity and retention through the fire academy and probationary process; reforming the Community Emergency Response Team program, adding Spanish-language and teen programs; and developing and implementing a social media strategy for the department.
Mayor Robert Garcia said DuRee “has led the department with integrity, and set policy that has reduced response times, modernized the department, and expanded the number of firefighters on our force. He also honorably guided the department and city through the tragedy and loss of Captain David Rosa. For that and his service we will be forever grateful.”
Rosa, a 17-year veteran of the department, was gunned down June 25 when he responded to a report of an explosion and fire at the Covenant Manor senior housing complex in the 600 block of East Fourth Street.
A 77-year-old Covenant Manor resident was facing murder and other charges in the shooting of Rosa and another firefighter who survived, but died Aug. 5 from a pre-existing medical condition while housed in the jail ward at County-USC Medical Center.