After 30 years in the fire service, 27 in Arcadia, Fire Chief, Tony Trabbie, will retire on April 30, 2014.
Fire Chief Tony Trabbie in 2009
Chief Trabbie progressed through the ranks in Arcadia from Firefighter to Fire Chief. His service throughout has been exemplary, always demonstrating outstanding leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage the technical and administrative functions of the Fire Department while maintaining a constant commitment to excellence and improvement. Chief Trabbie has not only been a consummate leader and an inspiration to members of the Arcadia Fire Department, he has also been a role model for all City employees. In recent years, Trabbie has been challenged by medical issues with his back.
Reflecting on the transition to retirement, Chief Trabbie said: “It has been a blessing to devote my life to the protection and care of others over the past 30 years in the fire service. In particular, I am honored to have called Arcadia my home and the men and women of the Arcadia Fire Department my family for over 27 years. I cannot imagine a finer organization. I am privileged to have worked side-by-side with wise and devoted civic leaders and employees who care deeply about the past, present, and future of the City of Arcadia. While it is difficult to step away from what I love, my heart will remain with my Arcadia family.”
Chief Trabbie began his career in fire service in 1984 as a Fire Suppression Aide for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In 1987 he was hired by the City of Arcadia as a Firefighter and was later assigned as a Fire Paramedic, followed by a promotion to Fire Captain serving in the Fire Prevention Bureau and as an Engine Company and Truck Company Captain. From there, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Acting Fire Chief and ultimately Fire Chief in 2007.
Among Tony’s many accomplishments during his tenure as Chief, is his ability to maintain the Arcadia Fire Department’s status as a Class 1 agency, providing Arcadians with the best fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical, and disaster management services. The Chief’s educational accomplishments include an Associate in Science Degree in Fire Technology from Pasadena City College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration from Cogswell College National Fire Academy. His state certifications include Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, Fire Safety Officer, Strike Team Leader, Fire Officer, Chief Officer, USAR Team Leader, Heavy Rescue Instructor, as well as a number of additional certifications in management, supervision, command and fire ground operations. Tony is an active member of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association and the Foothill Fire Chiefs Association.
“We are losing a valuable member of the City family this month, and an employee who has been devoted to the residents of Arcadia,” said Mayor John Wuo as he commented on the retirement of Fire Chief Tony Trabbie. “I have worked with Chief Trabbie for many years and have found his extensive knowledge of the fire service, his commitment to the community and to the department, and his leadership and professionalism to be beyond reproach. I know I speak for many Arcadians in thanking Tony for his service and in wishing him well in retirement.”
“Tony has had an extraordinarily positive impact on the Arcadia Fire Department and the City of Arcadia,” said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto. “His high standards and dedication are evident in everything he does, as is his cooperative approach to doing business. Tony has served Arcadia well and will be missed by many, both professionally and personally.”
It is expected that a new Arcadia Fire Chief will be appointed in May.