LPFD Chief Testa Retires, New Interim Fire Chief Named

PLEASANTON, CA — Deputy Fire Chief Aaron Lacey took over Friday as interim fire chief of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, the department announced.

Lacey takes over from former LPFD Chief Joe Testa, who retired Friday after a 29-year career. Testa came to LPFD in 1996 as a firefighter paramedic, and rose through the ranks as engineer, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, and fire chief.

"Throughout his career, he demonstrated a visionary and strategic approach to emergency management and organizational leadership that left a lasting impact on the Department," the department said in a statement.

Testa was an active member of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He also served as incident commander for the East Bay Incident Management Team, and held leadership positions as president of the Alameda County Fire Chiefs Association Operations and Communications Sections.

His replacement, Deputy Chief Aaron Lacey, joined LPFD in 2005 and has since served in several leadership roles, including fire captain in 2011, battalion chief in 2016, and deputy chief in 2020. He has also provided interim leadership with LPFD and helped implement several initiatives.

“The next phase of LPFD leadership will be guided by Interim Fire Chief, Aaron Lacey.” said Fire Chief Testa. “Chief Lacey brings the tools, experience, and commitment needed to continue moving the Department forward. With a broad background spanning administration, operations, and specialized areas of the fire service, he is well prepared for this role. I wish him every success as he takes the reins.”