Beverly Hills Names New Fire Chief

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Beverly Hills has announced a new deputy fire chief, officials said.

Alfred Poirier, a 35-year veteran of firefighting in California, was selected as the next chief. Most recently, Poirier served as the chief deputy of emergency operations for the Los Angeles Fire Department, city officials said.

Poirier will join the Beverly Hills Fire Department on Sept. 6. Poirier will oversee Emergency Response Operations, the Safety and Training Division and System Integration, the department announced.

He will serve as second in command at BHFD.

From battling multiple devastating wildfires to a deployment to the World Trade Center on 9/11 — Poirier will bring decades of experience to Beverly Hills.

"Al is one of the most respected leaders in our industry," said Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton. "We received applications from dozens of sitting Fire Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs nationwide and I am thrilled to bring Al’s extensive background and expertise to our team and our community."

At LAFD, Poirier oversaw more than 100 fire stations served by 1,000 firefighters and paramedics every day. He's also a veteran of multiple large scale emergency events including his deployment to the Gulf Hurricane Disaster in 2005.

"The Beverly Hills Fire Department has an outstanding reputation for its level of service and innovative programs," Poirier said in a release. "I am grateful for the opportunity to join Chief Barton and work with this incredible team as we serve the world-class community of Beverly Hills."

Poirier earned his Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management from Union Institute and University, and Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.