By Lookout Staff

February 23, 2010 -- City Manager Rod Gould made the first major decision of his tenure yesterday when he tapped Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Scott Ferguson to head the Santa Monica Fire Department. Ferguson will replace Jim Hone, who retired earlier this month after 30 years of service in this City.

Ferguson, who has been in fire service for 28 years, will begin his job on March 29. He was selected after a nationwide recruitment with 67 candidates, including 20 finalists interviewed this month.

"Chief Scott Ferguson is a fast rising star in the fire profession,” Gould said in a statement Monday. “His references and all who interviewed him are most impressed with his skill, energy, leadership and integrity.

"His passion is training to ensure a solid foundation in fire tactics while employing innovation, collaboration and accountability in the departments he has managed," Gould said. "Scott will be the right person to lead the department."

Ferguson took over the Manhattan Beach Fire Department in 2008. During his tenure, he completed a strategic plan for the department, refined professional development for its members and forged relationships with regional stakeholders in emergency response and preparedness, according to Gould's statement.

Prior to his time in Manhattan Beach, Ferguson served as a fire officer in Peoria, Ariz. (2002 – 2007) and Vancouver, Wash. (1988 – 2002), which is his hometown. Ferguson began his fire service career in 1982 as a part-time firefighter in Federal Way, Wash. He took a full-time job with the Richland, Wash. Fire Department 1984.

"The experience I’ve gained throughout my career has prepared me for this new challenge,” Ferguson said. “The Santa Monica Fire Department serves a dream community.

"I look forward to developing lasting partnerships to build on the strong foundation laid by Chief Hone so that together we can hold the community’s pride and resources well in hand."

Ferguson earned a fire science diploma from Bates Vocational Technical Institute in Tacoma, Wash. and an associate’s degree in business administration from Clark Community College.

He received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Eastern Oregon University and a master’s degree in management psychology from Wayland Baptist University in Phoenix. Ferguson is the son of a former fire chief.

“I received some good advice from my father,” Ferguson is quoted on the Manhattan Beach Web site. “As a former fire chief, he counseled me that I should get my degree and broaden my experience as it relates to leadership and communication.”

Ferguson will receive a base salary of $198,000. He and his wife Maria have two grown children.