Manhattan Beach Council Elections 2022: Responding to the call — After 35 years in public safety, Frank Chiella still seeks to serve
by Mark McDermott Frank Chiella knows Manhattan Beach in a way no other candidate can know it. He’s been in people’s homes at their times of greatest need, in medical emergencies or fires. Chiella spent three decades as a member of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. But even in retirement, Chiella feels the pull of public service. He’s been doing it most his life, beginning in Junior Lifeguards, then becoming a lifeguard and eventually a firefighter. He still serves as the director of the Citizens Emergency Response Team. “I actually worked on the beach as a lifeguard up by Dockweiler,” he said. “I think that’s when I really started falling in love with public safety and helping people, making rescues, making a difference, saving somebody’s life. I just got hooked.” Chiella left California for Alaska to attend college, and that’s where he began firefighting, eventually making his way back to Manhattan Beach. He was a firefighter/paramedic and retired seven years ago as a battalion chief. The experience gave him a strategic mindset that he believes has some relevance to serving on the council. “Being in management in a fire situation, especially as a battalion chief or a captain…
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