We are pleased to announce Deputy Fire Chief LaWayne Hearn’s promotion to Interim Fire Chief on June 14, 2022.
Chief Hearn has proudly served the City of Riverside Fire Department since 1993. He was hired as a Firefighter and quickly moved up the ranks to Engineer, and was promoted to Captain in 2003, Battalion Chief / EMS Coordinator in 2011, Division Chief US&R Program Coordinator in 2013 and in 2015 promoted to the Deputy Chief of Administration where he served until 2021. In June 2021, Chief Hearn was appointed the Deputy Chief of Operations and on June 14, 2022, Deputy Chief Hearn was selected as the Interim Fire Chief for the City of Riverside Fire Department.
Chief Hearn holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupation Studies. He has extensive knowledge and experience in managing significant programs, strategic planning, and establishing performance measures within the fire department. His experience also includes managing the principles and practices of emergency services utilizing the National Incident Management System. He was part of the Urban Search & Rescue (CA TF6) team that responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, and Hurricane Katrina.
Chief Hearn is very active in the community and serves as a Board Member with the Riverside Arts Academy and is a Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Leadership Riverside Graduate. Chief Hearn comes to the position of Fire Chief with the skills, knowledge, and ability to succeed and lead the Fire Department. He is motivated to do a great job! Please join us in congratulating him and wishing him well in his new assignment!