Monrovia’s Chief Chosen to Head Fire Department
Monrovia Fire Chief Ernest Mitchell Jr. has been selected to lead Pasadena’s 175-member Fire Department.
Mitchell, who was chosen by Interim City Manager Cynthia Kurtz, will be Pasadena’s first permanent fire chief in more than three years.
His selection was announced late Monday by the Pasadena City Council. Mitchell finished ahead of two finalists, Pasadena Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Milligan and Phoenix Deputy Fire Chief Harold Beck.
Mitchell has overseen the 40-member Monrovia Fire Department for eight years. Previously, he worked 18 years as a Compton firefighter.
“He has been a great boss and also a great friend to me. We’ll miss him,” Monrovia Battalion Chief Sam DiGiovanna said. “It is Pasadena’s gain and our loss.”
Mitchell begins work in Pasadena on Oct. 15. He will be paid about $111,000 a year.
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