Costa Mesa names new interim fire chief

COSTA MESA — City CEO Tom Hatch on Friday named a veteran Newport Beach firefighter as interim fire chief.

Tom Arnold, 62, who last served as deputy chief at the Newport Beach Fire Department, will serve while City Hall assesses the viability of partnering with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to provide service to the city, according to a news release.

Previous interim Fire Chief Kirk Dominic, who served in the position for a year, will return to field operations.

Arnold has lived in the city for 35 years. He will begin service once his background check and physical are completed.

Arnold has worked as a firefighter, paramedic, fire captain, battalion chief and, for 15 years, as deputy fire chief, according to a statement from the city’s communications director, Bill Lobdell.

“In Newport Beach, he managed the Operations Division, which included 300 personnel, five managers, 38 supervisors, including firefighters, paramedics, and lifeguards in more than 40 locations and five separate shift schedules,” the statement said.

A decision on whether to partner with OCFA is expected early next year, the release said.

[email protected]

Twitter: @lawilliams30