Robert Metzger Named Fire Chief

Robert Metzger, the current fire chief for the Golden Gate Fire Control and Rescue District in Collier County, Fla., will be the new chief of the Redondo Beach Fire Department, the city of Redondo Beach announced Monday in a news release.

Metzger was selected from a pool of 48 candidates nationwide to replace former Fire Chief Dan Madrigal, who retired in December.

"Bob was appointed to the job based on his demonstrated leadership, integrity and broad scope of expertise in the fire service," said Redondo Beach City Manager Bill Workman in a statement.

As part of his role, Metzger will also serve as the city's harbormaster, overseeing King Harbor. He has professional experience in fire administration, water rescue, paramedic programs and heavy rescue, according to the city.

Metzger served as the fire chief in Golden Gate, Fla. for five years. He previously was a deputy fire chief in Toledo, Ohio. He received his bachelor of science degree in fire safety and engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a master's degree in public administration from Florida Gulf Coast University, according to the news release. He is a graduate of the executive fire officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.

According to the Naples Daily News, Metzger announced his resignation from the Golden Gate Fire Control and Rescue District last Thursday, effective Feb. 10. He will start his new job in Redondo Beach the same month.