Meet Chad Augustin, Pasadena’s New Fire Chief

Pasadena’s new Fire Chief Chad Augustin is set to take the helm of the Fire Department in just more than two weeks, with initial priorities including disaster preparedness and improving patient care.

After completing his current duties as deputy fire chief of the Sacramento Fire Department, Augustin is scheduled to begin his tenure in Pasadena on Feb. 22.

“As your newest resident, I look forward to living in a city that embraces so much history and tradition while fostering growth in innovation,” Augustin said. “I can’t wait to attend my first Rose Bowl and Rose Parade.”

Augustin rose through the ranks of the Sacramento Fire Department since joining the department in 1999, according to the agency. In addition to his firefighting work, he has also served as a paramedic on a rescue helicopter for the past two decades.

“My goal is for Pasadena to become known as the most resilient city in California,” he said. “The next disaster is coming, whether an earthquake, flood, fire, mudslide, or pandemic, and it is my responsibility to work closely with the community to provide well-prepared and trained staff. Through community partnerships and education, we can achieve this goal.”

Among his achievements in Sacramento, Augustin was instrumental in securing the department’s position as one of only three fire agencies in the state to earn a “Gold Plus” rating from the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Program in 2019, Sacramento city officials said at the time.

The award recognizes “extensive training and response to maximize the survival chance of patients experiencing what’s known as a ‘STEMI’ — a severe type of heart attack,” according to a city statement.

Augustin said he hoped to do the same in Pasadena.

“I am very passionate about improving patient care and outcomes. I look forward to the Pasadena Fire Department receiving the ‘Gold Plus’ level of recognition for the betterment of the residents we serve,” he said.

“It is a deliberate effort of training, education and partnership with local hospitals to receive this highest level of recognition by the American Heart Association, Augustin added. 

“With the excellent reputation of service to the Pasadena community, this award is definitely within reach of the Pasadena Fire Department,” he said.

Augustin was also recognized for heroism in April 2014. Then a captain in the Sacramento Fire Department, “Augustin courageously located and removed an unconscious victim out of a burning building after being told a man was trapped inside,” according to a city statement.

The new chief’s interest in firefighting was sparked at an early age when his parents took him on a tour of a local fire station.

“I was hooked. The impact of that one single visit changed my life forever,” he said. “In fact, the story is that I wore a firefighter costume for the next two weeks straight. That is the kind of impact this Fire Department has and will continue to have for the young residents of Pasadena.”

His admiration for first responders only grew during his first year of college, “when I was struck by a vehicle and transported by ambulance to the hospital,” Augustin recalled. “To this day, I still remember the level of professionalism and compassion that the paramedics provided.

“Soon after, I enrolled in an EMT course and later went on to paramedic training. Twenty-five years later, I still have the privilege of caring for patients and enjoy every minute of it,” he said. “Along with my fire department work, I worked on a medical life-flight helicopter for almost 20 years. The level of teamwork and critical thinking required is immense, and like firefighting, it is very rewarding.”

Augustin said he also enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie of the profession.

“Hands down, the two things I enjoy most about firefighting is the teamwork aspect of the job, as well as the ability to help someone on their worst day,” he said.

“Due to the long work schedules, firefighters frequently spend more time with their co-workers than with their own families,” he added. “Ultimately, we develop familial and trusting relationships. The camaraderie we have not only helps us contend with daily chores and tasks around the firehouse, but it helps us get through emotionally and physically challenging emergency calls.”

When not at work, Augustin enjoys athletics, competing several times in the Police and Firefighter Olympics as a bodybuilder, as well as the Firefighter Olympics in Crossfit.

“My fitness achievements have given me an accessible platform to work with community youths in teaching goal-setting, maintaining focus, discipline, and consistency,” Augustin said. “Working with the youth in the community, while being a positive role model, is one way that I believe I can give back to those that have helped me.”

His work as a helicopter medic also launched a passion for aviation, he said.

“After a decade of flying in the back of the helicopter, I set out to obtain my fixed-wing pilot’s license,” Augustin said. “In two years of squeezing in flight time during my days off, I earned my wings; I really enjoy the peace and freedom that aviation allows.”

Augustin said he was honored to be selected to head the Pasadena Fire Department.

“I am thrilled to be part of the community of Pasadena. As your next fire chief, I will be more than just an employee that works for the city; I will be living in the community and look forward to being your neighborhood fire chief,” he said.

“I really appreciate the level of trust that the community bestows upon us,” Augustin said. “We are welcomed into their homes and have the privilege of working hard to help resolve any emergency. Whether it is helping someone who has fallen and needs assistance getting back up and into bed or fighting a fire, every 911 call allows us an opportunity to serve the public and make their worst day a little bit better.”

See also:

City Appoints New Fire Chief

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

Interim Fire Chief to Retire Next Month