Wolfgang Knabe appointed as interim Santa Monica fire chief
August 14, 2023 5:03 PM
Wolfgang Knabe will rejoin the City of Santa Monica as interim fire chief starting Sept. 1, 2023, upon Chief Danny Alvarez’ departure. Chief Knabe, a 43-year veteran of the fire service, retired as Fullerton/Brea’s fire chief in 2018. He previously served as Santa Monica’s interim fire chief from June 2021 to February 2022, and has also completed stints as interim fire chief in Manhattan Beach from July 2020 to June 2021, and interim deputy fire chief in Beverly Hills from March 2022 to August 2022.
“Chief Knabe’s decades of leadership, knowledge about the Santa Monica Fire Department, and extensive relationships throughout the region will be invaluable during this transition,” City Manager David White said. “I’m grateful to have him return as the City’s interim fire chief to ensure our Fire Department has a strong leader while continuing to provide excellent service to our community.”
Knabe joined the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1980 following a tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps. After 22 years of service with LAFD, he served as San Luis Obispo’s fire chief from 2002 to 2005. Chief Knabe retired as Fullerton/Brea’s fire chief in 2018, serving Fullerton since 2005 and both cities since 2011 when they merged to become one department. Prior to retiring, Chief Knabe also served as a Reserve Police Officer with the LAPD for 16 years, including seven assigned to the Department’s SWAT Team.
“I’ve worked first-hand with the incredible women and men of the Santa Monica Fire Department and hope to continue the great work of Chief Alvarez,” Knabe said. “I am looking forward to ensuring that the needs of the department and the community are met as the City searches for a new fire chief.”
As Santa Monica’s interim fire chief, Knabe will lead a team of 137 firefighters and staff and manage a budget of $54,447,926.
A nationwide recruitment is planned to begin in August.
Media Contact
Lauren Howland
Communications and public information manager
lauren.howland@santamonica.gov