La Verne Interim Fire Chief Devin Leonard has provided notification he will be leaving his position effective August 12, 2020. After conducting a search of qualified replacements, David Segura has been selected to serve as Interim Fire Chief while the City continues to conduct a recruitment for a permanent replacement. On Monday August 3, City Council voted 5-0 to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with David Segura to provide temporary, part-time employment
David Segura is an expert in fire, emergency medical and marine safety services, having served for 36 years in the fire service, including oversight of maritime firefighting and lifeguard services for large beach communities. Over his long career he held a wide variety of positions, including Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief.
As the Fire Chief for the City of Huntington Beach, he was responsible for a department with 198 full-time and 150 part-time employees and annual operating budget of $50 million. As Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Long Beach, he oversaw operations for a department that included 527 employees and 24 fire stations.
In his career, he developed several innovative solutions to maintain organizations with approaches that were cost-effective, community and customer care oriented. He also completed a standards of cover evaluation of the Huntington Beach Fire Department, resulting in upgrades in the organizational structure, emergency medical and other services. As an executive officer for cities that are major tourist destinations, with several million annual visitors, he oversaw safety service delivery for many large annual special events, with attendance of up to half million visitors.
He is a former member of the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association and through this organization implemented upgrades to fire service delivery systems and technologies throughout the region and county.
Throughout his career he was involved in the leadership and direction of various community organizations and boards, including the Advisory Council of the Huntington Beach Waymakers Youth Shelter, Boys & Girls Clubs, Long Beach Leadership Institute, Conservation Corps of Long Beach and Huntington Beach Hospital.
His education includes Bachelor of Science and Masters in Public Administration degrees from California State University Long Beach.