Ralph Terrazas named Los Angeles City Fire Department chief

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- After a nationwide search, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has made his choice for the next chief of the city fire department: Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas.

Terrazas has been a chief officer with the department for 14 years. The mayor said that with that command experience, combined with the ability to navigate the politics, makes Terrazas the ideal leader for the city fire department.

Terrazas, the first Latino to head the Los Angeles Fire Department, knows the department well after being in it for 31 years. He says being an insider is key to revamping the troubled department.

"I know how the department works and I know how to get things done in a quick manner," said Terrazas. "In my conversations with the mayor, there's a sense of urgency that I want to bring to the table. The sooner we can make positive change, the faster we can restore the confidence in our department."

Terrazas will take over for Interim Chief James Featherstone, who also applied for the top job.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said that after a nationwide search including dozens of applicants, he realized the best candidate was already in the 3,500-employee department.

"I think this is the right leader, and he's shown the innovation from the inside. This is a very complicated ship to drive. You don't hand over the keys to a battleship to somebody who's driven a truck for a long time," said Garcetti.

Terrazas was instrumental in helping pass Proposition F, a $523-million bond for 19 new fire stations. He says he considered for a moment saying no to the offer.

"The challenges are significant," said Terrazas. "I understand that. I love this department. I'm confident in the skills and abilities of the men and women of this department to fix those issues."

Terrazas will have to be confirmed by the L.A. City Council, but he is expected to start in the beginning of August.