Monrovia Hires Fire Chief From Norco

MONROVIA — The city manager has named a fire chief from an Inland Empire community to become the city’s next top firefighter.

Peter Bryan, 43, Norco’s fire chief, will take the same job in Monrovia. He succeeds Chief Ernest Mitchell, who became Pasadena’s new chief in September. Mitchell was Monrovia’s fire chief for seven years.

City Manager Don Hopper said Bryan was chosen from four finalists because of his skills as a manager. Bryan is scheduled to begin work next month and will earn more than $90,000 annually.

Bryan was Norco’s chief for the last three years. He spent 13 years as a battalion and division chief in Upland before taking the Norco job. He has also served with the Ontario and Victorville fire departments.

As Monrovia fire chief, Bryan will oversee a department with a $4.7-million annual budget.