Mayor Eric Garcetti has appointed LAFD assistant chief Ralph Terrazas to be the next chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Terrazas has served 30 years with LAFD, including 21 years as a fire officer and 14 years of major command experience as a chief officer.

“Reforming the fire department is vital to the safety of our families and to my back to basics agenda,” Garcetti said. “After an exhaustive nationwide search, I have decided there is no better person to cut response times, improve technology and bring reform to the Los Angeles Fire Department than Chief Ralph Terrazas.”

The new fire chief expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

“I will dedicate our efforts on transforming the LAFD into a metric driven, technologically sophisticated, community-focused organization that is reflective of the communities we serve,” he said. “I want to thank Mayor Garcetti, and I believe this is confirmation for his trust and confidence in the men and women of the LAFD.”

Terrazas established the Professional Standards Division and was responsible for all aspects of the LAFD disciplinary system. He was also instrumental in the passage of Prop. F, a $532 million bond for 19 new fire stations.

“As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I look forward to working with Chief Terrazas in cutting response times and instituting a data-driven culture at the Los Angeles Fire Department with the implementation of FireSTAT LA,” said Councilman Mitch Englander, 12th District.

Delia Ibarra, president of the Los Angeles Fire Commission, said Terrazas is the “ideal leader” to shape a strong future for the department through a “rare combination” of field experience and management skill.

“I would also like to thank Chief [James] Featherstone for leading the department during a difficult time and for beginning to build a strong foundation for Chief Terrazas to build on,” she added.

Terrazas’ nomination is subject to confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council. His salary will be $292,424.40.