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Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Welcomes Dan Stefano as Fire Chief
Summary
Dan Stefano will begin as Fire Chief of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District on February 2, 2026; he brings more than 30 years of fire service experience and most recently served as Fire Chief for the City of Costa Mesa.
Content
The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District has named Dan Stefano as its new Fire Chief. He will begin his service on Monday, February 2, 2026. Stefano brings more than 30 years of fire service experience. He served most recently as Fire Chief for the City of Costa Mesa.
Key details:
- Start date: February 2, 2026.
- More than 30 years of fire service experience across operational and executive roles.
- Served as Fire Chief in Costa Mesa, where he oversaw development of new fire stations and a Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center.
- Earlier service with the Laguna Beach Fire Department included coastal and wildland fire protection, emergency medical services, and community risk reduction.
- Active in professional leadership, including service as President of the California Fire Chiefs Association and a position on the League of California Cities Board; he holds graduate degrees from California State University, Long Beach and the University of Southern California and completed the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
- The district quoted Board President Suzy Cawthon saying his talent, experience, and leadership will be an asset; Chief Stefano said he looks forward to listening, learning, and building relationships with staff, the Board, and the community.
Summary:
Chief Stefano is scheduled to begin with CSFPD on February 2, 2026 and brings decades of experience in fire operations and leadership. The district noted his work on station development and regional training in Costa Mesa and his prior coastal and wildland experience in Laguna Beach. He has also held statewide leadership roles and completed advanced executive training. Further operational details about his tenure were not provided.