Newport Beach Selects New Fire Chief

A 30-year fire service veteran has been selected to lead the Newport Beach Fire Department, the city announced today. 

Scott Poster, of Aliso Viejo, will become the new fire chief on Feb. 6 and will earn a starting salary of $204,984. Poster's most recent position was as a deputy chief for the Los Angeles County Fire where he oversaw a budget of more than $60 million dollars and managed over 300 employees. Poster says he was honored to learn he was selected for the position.

"I look forward to collaborating with staff to optimize the organization and redefine service excellence to the visitors and residents in the City." he said. "Many years of experience in the fire service has prepared me for this most prestigious position."

Poster joined LA County Fire in 1983 as a firefighter and was steadily promoted through the ranks in several departments including fire and lifeguard operations, fire prevention and administration. In addition, Poster served the region on command teams from the Shuttle Columbia Disaster and Hurricane Katrina.

Poster is a state-certified fire officer, a fire instructor and holds numerous state and federal qualifications in incident command. He earned his bachelor's degree in occupational studies and a master's degree in emergency services administration from Cal State Long Beach.