City of Manhattan Beach: Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Michael Lang Announces Retirement After 32 Years Of Distinguished Service

PRESS RELEASE: Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Michael Lang Announces Retirement After 32 Years Of Distinguished Service (PDF)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alexandria Latragna, Communications and Civic Engagement Manager
alatragna@manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5063

MANHATTAN BEACH FIRE CHIEF MICHAEL LANG ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 32 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Manhattan Beach, CA (December 2, 2024) – The City of Manhattan Beach today announced the upcoming retirement of Fire Chief Michael Lang, who will be stepping down after an impressive 32-year career in public service, including almost four years of exemplary leadership in Manhattan Beach. Chief Lang, whose tenure has been marked by significant advancements in the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, will remain in his role while the city conducts a comprehensive search for his successor.

“It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Manhattan Beach and lead the outstanding professionals of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department,” said Chief Lang. “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, bringing with him decades of experience and a commitment to modernizing operations and enhancing public safety. During his tenure, he has improved emergency response capabilities, enhanced the fire prevention bureau and emergency preparedness function, increased staffing, expanded internal promotional opportunities, and fostered stronger community partnerships and relationships with regional safety partners. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the Department and the community.

Mayor Amy Thomas Howorth lauded Chief Lang’s contributions, saying, “Chief Lang’s leadership has been instrumental in making Manhattan Beach safer and better prepared for the future. 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 expressed deep gratitude for Chief Lang’s service, stating, “Chief Lang’s contributions to Manhattan Beach have been nothing short of transformative. 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.”

The recruitment process to find the City’s next Fire Chief will begin in the coming weeks, with the goal of identifying a successor who can build upon Chief Lang’s achievements.

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