City Administrator Damien R. Arrula has announced the appointment of Jason Dobine to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Placentia’s Fire and Life Safety Department. Chief Dobine is a 30-year fire service veteran whom most recently held the position of Battalion Chief with the Placentia Fire and Life Safety Department. Mr. Dobine has also been serving as Acting Fire Chief since October 2021.
“As a 30-year fire service veteran, Fire Chief Dobine has extensive experience, and I know he will be a great asset as Fire Chief to our City,” said Placentia Mayor Rhonda Shader. “Having been with us since we established the Department in July 2020, Fire Chief Dobine understands the Department well and our goals and objectives, which I believe makes him well-equipped to take them on and continue advancing our Fire and Life Safety Department forward.”
Mr. Dobine grew up in Los Angeles and is a graduate of Westchester High School. Mr. Dobine began his career in the Fire Service in 1992, when he served as an auxiliary working for the Alhambra Fire Department and subsequently an Intern with the former Lynwood Fire Department. He then went on to the City of Torrance, where he served as a member of the Torrance Fire Department from March 1, 1993, to March 1, 2020. During his 27-
year career with the Torrance Fire Department, Mr. Dobine filled the ranks of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain, EMS Captain, and Acting Battalion Chief. He also competed in the promotional process for Fire Chief with the Torrance Fire Department, finishing as a finalist on the eligibility list.
Mr. Dobine received his Associate’s degree from Coastline Community College in 2009 and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Education from Cal State Long Beach University in 2009. Mr. Dobine has also completed all the coursework for his State of California Chief Officer certificate. He looks to complete the coursework needed to achieve his Executive Chief Officer Certificate soon.
“Fire Chief Dobine is a seasoned member of the Southern California Firefighting community. His strong work ethic, innate leadership skills, and passion for the fire service, along with his varied assignments throughout his career make him an excellent fit for this position. Mr. Dobine is also a key charter member of the Placentia Fire and Life Safety Department, beginning as a Battalion Chief, and has a keen understanding of what the Department needs. I am confident that Mr. Dobine will make an excellent Fire Chief for the Placentia Fire and Life Safety Department and will work tirelessly to provide quality public service to our community,” said City Administrator Arrula.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as Fire Chief for the Placentia Fire and Life Safety Department. Having been with the Department since the beginning, this City and this Department mean a lot to me. It is a true honor to work with and now lead the fine men and women of the Placentia Fire and Life Safety Department,” said Chief Jason Dobine. “I look forward to guiding the Department in its next chapter to meet new challenges and to continue meeting the needs of the City and its residents.”