Laguna fire chief retiring after 28 years with department

Laguna Beach Fire Department Chief Kris Head is retiring, according to a statement from the city issued Monday.

Head, who has served as fire chief since March 2010, will retire Oct. 29. He has been with the fire department for nearly 28 years. Head began his career with the city of Buena Park in 1983 and was hired by Laguna Beach as a probationary firefighter in 1984, according to the news release.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this community,” Head said in a statement. “I have every bit of confidence that this organization will continue its fine tradition of providing quality services to the citizens, businesses and visitors of Laguna Beach.”

Head graduated from paramedic school in 1988 and was a key person in the implementation of the first paramedic unit in the department, according to the release. He was promoted to captain in 1989, to battalion chief in 2004, division chief in 2007 and finally fire chief in 2010. He said he is looking forward to spending time with his wife and children during retirement.

“On behalf of the city of Laguna Beach, we would like to extend our thanks to Chief Head for his years of service to the city, the fire department, and the Laguna Beach community and we wish him the very best in his retirement,” City Manager John Pietig said in a statement.

— Alisha Gomez

Twitter: @AGomezBerman