Arcadia Officials Select New Fire Chief
The city of Arcadia named Kenneth Lavoie, Covina’s fire chief for the last three years, to lead its Fire Department, the city manager announced Thursday.
Lavoie replaces Fire Chief and Assistant City Manager Gerald Gardner, a 31-year veteran of the Arcadia department.
City Manager William R. Kelly, who made the appointment, said Lavoie will take command of the Arcadia Fire Department on Nov. 18.
“Chief Lavoie has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability that will be of great benefit to the Arcadia Fire Department and the city of Arcadia itself,” Kelly said.
Lavoie, a Huntington Beach resident, has a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. He also holds a state teaching credential and has served as an instructor at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.
“It’s a great loss for Covina,” said Covina Councilman Thomas O’Leary. “They got a great guy.”
Lavoie said he is “most enthused about joining the Arcadia team and is looking forward to serving the community.”
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