29-Year Pasadena Fire Department Veteran Helming the Agency as Search for Permanent Chief Continues

A 29-year veteran of the Pasadena Fire Department is serving as interim fire chief in Pasadena, following the retirement of former interim chief Bryan Frieders last month, as city officials continue narrowing down the selection process to choose a permanent chief, officials said.

Battalion Chief Anthony Bagan has been tapped to head the Pasadena Fire Department in the meantime, city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said. He took command of the department last week.

Baragan also serves as Fire Technology Director at the Verdugo Training Academy, as well as at Glendale Community College, where he also serves as  Basic Fire Academy Administrator, according to the Verdugo Fire Academy.

“Chief Bagan started his fire service career in 1986 as a Fire Explorer,” according to his Verdugo Fire Academy profile. “He was sponsored by the Pasadena Fire Department to the Pasadena Fire Academy where he graduated in 1987. He has served the Pasadena Fire Department as an Auxiliary Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services Reserve before he was hired full-time.”

He has served in “all ranks,” as well as in the assignments of training captain and deputy fire marshal, the profile states.

Meanwhile, a selection process headed by City Manager Steve Mermell continues, Derderian said.

“The rigorous interview process will include a community panel in addition to industry professionals and municipal agency administrators,” according to a statement issued by the city upon announcing applications were being considered.

Officials declined to estimate how long the process would take to complete. Information on the candidates was not disclosed.

See also:

Interim Fire Chief to Retire Next Month