The city of Manhattan Beach has appointed Daryn Drum, a 30-year veteran of emergency services, as its new fire chief. Drum has most recently served as division chief of administrative services for the San Diego-area consolidated district known as Heartland Fire & Rescue. 

“We are excited to bring Daryn Drum onboard and welcome him to the Manhattan Beach family. Throughout the recruitment process, Daryn’s leadership qualities set him apart and will make him a tremendous asset now and in the future for our fire department and the residents we serve,” said City Manager Bruce Moe.

Moe noted that Drum has a proven track record as a strong leader with exceptional organizational, budgeting, planning and communication skills.

The district that Drum comes from, Heartland Fire & Rescue district, encompasses the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove. The jurisdiction serves a population of over 186,000 with eight fire stations, and responds to approximately 22,000 calls for emergency services each year.

Drum has been responsible for budget preparation and management, professional standards, policy development, workers compensation, injury and illness prevention programs, peer support programs, promotional testing, entry level exams, and long term planning.

He negotiated mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions, served as chair of San Diego County Fire Chief’s Association’s working group to develop a countywide policy for multi-casualty incidents, and served as union president and chief labor negotiator for the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2728.

Previously, Drum served as Heartland Fire & Rescue's battalion chief, responsible for the emergency medical services division and operations division. Additionally, he held the position of division chief in the training division in the city of Lemon Grove.

Former Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Robert Espinosa retired last April. Manhattan Beach Police Chief Derrick Abell has been serving as interim fire chief while the city conducted its search for a replacement.