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Aaron Lacey, a longtime Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department employee who had been serving as the interim chief since August, has been officially appointed as the department’s new permanent chief, according to a joint press release from the two Tri-Valley cities.
Lacey succeeds former LPFD chief Joe Testa, who retired from his post on Aug. 15 after nearly 30 years with the department.
“I am honored to be appointed fire chief and continue serving the communities of Livermore and Pleasanton,” Lacey said in the joint Dec. 18 press release. “Our department is built on a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to delivering the highest level of service. I look forward to supporting our team as we carry that mission forward.”
Lacey first joined LPFD in 2005 and has since served as fire captain and fire battalion chief before he was promoted to the role of deputy chief in 2020. He also previously served as interim fire chief for a brief time in 2021, before Testa was named chief.
Prior to his departure, Testa played a key role throughout his career in “strengthening training and operational readiness” at the fire department.
“He led the department through the California State Fire Marshal’s Fire Academy accreditation in 2018 and coordinated the department’s first Instructional Services Agreement with Las Positas College to expand firefighting training opportunities,” officials wrote.
The department and two cities expect the streak of strong leadership to continue with Lacey.
Lacey brings “significant operational and regional leadership experience” to his position as LPFD chief after notably serving with the California Regional Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and being deployed to several major emergencies such as Hurricane Irma, which hit Florida in 2017, and multiple wildfires.
He also served as president of the Alameda County Training Officers — a collective of fire representatives who coordinate fire service training — and as area director for the California Fire Training Chiefs, according to the press release.
“Chief Lacey has continually shown the leadership, vision, and dedication required to guide a department recognized for its high-quality service and organizational excellence,” Livermore City Manager Marianna Burch and Pleasanton City Manager Gerry Beaudin said in the joint press release. “We are confident that, under his direction, the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department will continue to thrive and serve our communities with distinction.”
