The City of Pasadena is announcing the retirement of Fire Department Interim Chief Bryan Frieders effective November 30, 2020. Frieders joined the Pasadena Fire Department as deputy chief in 2016 after making his way through the ranks with the San Gabriel Fire Department.
Bryan began his career in 1990 as an emergency medical technician in Glendale. Throughout his career he has served in a variety of assignments including training, emergency medical services, fire prevention and emergency management.
One of his greatest accomplishment is serving as the president of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, where he is a well-respected speaker on the topics of firefighter health and safety, leadership and cancer risk reduction. Additionally, he serves on various committees.
“Bryan assumed the interim fire chief position during a worldwide pandemic, global civil unrest and devastating wildfires, and his leadership, professionalism and teamwork is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the entire fire department during the most challenging times in their careers. We have begun a nationwide recruitment for fire chief and Bryan will be an integral part of that process,” says City Manager Steve Mermell.
Bryan holds a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and an associate’s degree in fire technology. He has also been designated as a fire chief officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
“This is a difficult decision for me, but the right one for the department and my family. I have been so fortunate to work with such a passionate, high-performing group of men and women who have an incredible sense of pride and professionalism, each of whom put their heart and soul into every call to treat the community as their own family,” says Frieders.
In retirement, Bryan plans to spend more time with his wife and three young children.
The public is encouraged to provide input about the most important qualities that potential candidates should have by completing a brief survey online: www.cityofpasadena.net/fire-chief-recruitment
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