Wolfgang Knabe (photo courtesy of the city of Beverly Hills)

The Beverly Hills City Council on March 15 approved the appointment of Wolfgang Knabe as interim deputy fire chief for the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

Former deputy fire chief Joseph Matsch retired from service on Dec. 21, creating a vacancy for the position.

The city has posted a recruitment for the permanent appointment of a deputy fire chief and appointed Knabe while the city seeks to permanently fill the position.

Knabe retired as Fullerton/Brea’s fire chief in 2018 after a public safety career that spanned four decades. He recently served as interim fire chief for the cities of Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica and has extensive experience in managing fires in both urban and hillside settings.

“I am thrilled to welcome Wolfgang to Beverly Hills,” Fire Chief Greg Barton said. “His vast expertise across Southern California will bring tremendous value and support to our department.”

Knabe will not be a candidate for the permanent appointment, city officials said.