by Mark McDermott
The Manhattan Beach Fire Department conducted likely the largest badge-pinning ceremony in its 100-year history Tuesday afternoon. Thirteen MBFD employees were promoted.
MBFD Chief Mike Lang said that the occasion was historic.
“Today we are here to celebrate our promotees as well as celebrate the family and friends that supported them through the process,” Lang said. “We also celebrate our department’s 100-year anniversary this year and I truly believe that those being pinned today will lead us into the next 100 years.”
Mayor Richard Montgomery, who swore in those who were promoted, likewise said the ceremony represented a special day in the history of Manhattan Beach.
“It is my honor as mayor to preside over a badge pinning and promotion ceremony for the men and women in our fire department,” Montgomery said. “It is the largest fire department ceremony in recent history with 13 members. I congratulate you all and am proud that you are here with us in Manhattan Beach.”
Firefighter and paramedic Rudy Meija, a two decade veteran of MBFD and the president of the Manhattan Beach Firefighters Association, praised Chief Lang for fulfilling a vision of a department that promotes from within.
“This is what a healthy fire department looks like,” Meija said.
Meija referenced the department’s recent difficult times, which included the severe challenges the pandemic presented for first responders and the imposition of a contract by the City Council last fall. He thanked all firefighters family’s for bearing with the challenges every step of the way, and praised the newly appointed.
“This is a perfect time for us to reflect on what we’ve been through,” Meija said. “We’ve had some difficult times, for example, with COVID. We all stuck together and still provided great service to the community. Many of you have worked countless hours on and off duty and still provided excellent care to the community, at the level that our residents expect from us. And so look around you. This is hard work paying off.”
Promoted were Miguel Gutierrez, Fire Inspector; Suzy Contreras, Fire Inspector; Kevin Bass, Fire Marshal; Jeff Rice, Engineer; Josh Kueng, Engineer (not present); Christian McArthur, Engineer; James Stratton, Engineer; Erick Strong, Fire Captain; James Craig, Fire Captain (not present); James Falls, Fire Captain; Tyler Wade, Division Chief; Anthony Gomes, Division Chief; Kevin Tiscareno, Division Chief. ER
