Manhattan Beach has named as its interim Fire Chief Derrick Abell, who is also the city's Police Chief.
The interim post is expected to last eight to 10 weeks while the department continues to seek a full-time Fire Chief after Robert Espinosa, who's led the department for more than six years, retires April 28, said City Manager Bruce Moe.
"Chief Abell is an outstanding leader who is well respected throughout the organization and community, and I have the utmost of faith in his abilities," Moe said. "That, coupled with his strong management team at the Police Department, gave us the opportunity to tap Chief Abell’s talents during the transition."
Naming a police chief to head a fire department is rare, but it has occurred in various small towns throughout the country.
Abell was unavailable for comment Thursday.