Interim Livermore-Pleasanton Fire chief promoted permanently

Aaron Lacey is taking over the reins of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, following several months serving as the cities’ interim chief.

Lacey, who also previously served as deputy chief, replaced former Chief Joe Testa, who retired in August after 29 years in public service. The cities of Livermore and Pleasanton, which share a fire department, announced on Dec. 18 the decision to promote Lacey to chief. The joint fire department includes a department of 128 firefighters and personnel staffed across 10 stations.

“I am honored to be appointed fire chief and continue serving the communities of Livermore and Pleasanton,” Lacey wrote in a press release. “Our department is built on a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to delivering the highest level of service. I look forward to supporting our team as we carry that mission forward.”

According to the city of Pleasanton, the fire chief can earn a salary of up to $294,816 annually, plus benefits.

Lacey spent the past 20 years climbing through the ranks of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, starting first as a firefighter-paramedic before rising to the rank of fire captain, battalion chief and deputy chief.

He holds an associate’s degree in liberal studies and fire science technology from the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the California State University, East Bay, and a master’s degree in leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California.

“Chief Lacey has continually shown the leadership, vision, and dedication required to guide a department recognized for its high-quality service and organizational excellence,” Livermore City Manager Marianna A. Burch and Pleasanton City Manager Gerry Beaudin wrote in a joint statement. “We are confident that, under his direction, the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department will continue to thrive and serve our communities with distinction.”

Testa, his predecessor who first joined the department in 1996, served as chief for three years starting in 2022. He replaced former chief Jeff Peters, who served the department for 31 years.

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