COSTA MESA : Newport Fire Chief Takes Costa Mesa Job
Newport Beach Fire Chief Jim M. Reed has been hired as the head of Costa Mesa’s Fire Department to fill the vacancy left by retired Chief John Petruzziello.
Reed, who started as a firefighter in Newport Beach in 1961 and has been that department’s chief for 12 years, will start his new job on Aug. 5.
At 53, Reed has earned as many retirement credits as he can in Newport Beach. He said he decided to take the Costa Mesa job because he isn’t ready to stop working.
“I’ve just loved this job ever since I started, and I had mixed emotions about retiring and thought that I would like to continue,” he said. “The Costa Mesa job allows me that while I’ll also be receiving good retirement benefits (from Newport Beach).”
Petruzziello, 56, had been off the job for the past year due to health problems and announced his retirement in May.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
