Fire Chief Sam L. Mazza

Chief Mazza came to the City from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and brings more than 32 years of fire service experience to the City of Monterey. He was previously the Unit Chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As such, he was responsible for all CDF programs and operations within Monterey and San Benito counties. This included administering the CDF contracts with Aromas, Cypress, Carmel Highlands and South Monterey County Fire Protection Districts; the Pebble Beach Community Services District; and the San Benito County Fire Department.

In previous positions, Chief Mazza served as the Monterey County Operational Area Fire and Rescue Coordinator for the California Office of Emergency Services, with responsibility for coordinating all Monterey County fire and rescue resources under the state Disaster and Mutual Aid Plans. He is a past president of the Monterey County Fire Chiefs Association and is a volunteer with the Care-A-Van program at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto.

Chief Mazza holds an associate of science degree in Fire Science from Fresno City College and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from California Sate University, Fresno. He resides in Salinas with his wife Lori and their daughter.

Email Chief Mazza at mazza@ci.monterey.ca.us