by Mark McDermott
The City of Manhattan Beach announced this week that Fire Chief Michael Lang will be retiring. Lang, who has spent 32 years in the fire service, including the last four leading the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, will continue to serve until his successor is found.
“It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Manhattan Beach and lead the outstanding professionals of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department,” Lang said, in a statement. “I am proud of what we have achieved together and am committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the Department and our community.”
Chief Lang joined the Manhattan Beach Fire Department in June 2021. He arrived with a reputation for modernizing fire operations. Lang served the City of Arcadia for 21 years, moving his way up through the ranks from a Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief and Deputy Fire Chief before his appointment to Fire Chief in 2016. In Arcadia, Chief Lang led a team of 60 personnel overseeing all fire operations including administration, training, fire prevention, emergency response and fire suppression. Previously, Lang served the San Bernardino County Fire Department for four years. At the time of his hiring in Manhattan Beach, his expertise in building a community-centered, metric-driven organization was lauded.
Mayor Amy Howorth said Lang leaves MBFD better than he found it.
“Chief Lang’s leadership has been instrumental in making Manhattan Beach safer and better prepared for the future,” she said. “His dedication to the well being of our residents and his ability to inspire excellence within the Fire Department will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the City Council and our entire community, we wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian likewise praised Lang’s impact.
“Chief Lang’s contributions to Manhattan Beach have been nothing short of transformative,” she said. “His dedication to public safety and his forward-thinking approach have elevated our fire department to new heights. We are thankful for his willingness to stay on as we undertake a thorough and inclusive search for our next Fire Chief.” ER
