After more than three decades with the Beverly Hills Fire Department, Fire Chief Greg Barton is getting ready to turn in his gear. Last Friday, Barton announced he will retire later this fall after more than 31 years with the department. He has served as chief for the past nine years and said he will stay on until a new chief is chosen so the transition does not turn into a five-alarm headache. His retirement caps a long municipal career that started on the fire floor and ended in the corner office.
According to the City of Beverly Hills, Barton will retire "later this fall once a new Fire Chief is selected," with City Manager Ryan Gohlich praising his "extraordinary service." The city noted that Barton will continue to lead the department through the recruitment process to ensure a smooth handoff. The official announcement includes statements from both Gohlich and Barton on the decision.
Barton was promoted to fire chief in 2017 after more than two decades with the department. He first joined BHFD in 1995 and worked his way up from firefighter to battalion chief, according to Beverly Press. He holds a master's degree in public administration and has completed executive coursework at national fire leadership programs. Officials say that training and experience informed his work on complex rescues, hazardous materials response and wildfire preparedness.
Barton's Record and Recognition
Local coverage has noted a long list of honors for Barton, including Firefighter of the Year recognition from the Kiwanis Club, the BHFD Felix Rothschild Award, recognition from the Beverly Hills Masonic Lodge and the city's Fred C. Cunningham Award for Distinguished Service in 2021, which marked key milestones across his career, as reported by Canyon News. Beyond the plaques and certificates, Barton has served on several charitable boards and as president of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, roles local outlets say helped keep the department plugged into community programs.
What's Next for BHFD
The city said it will launch a recruitment process to name Barton’s successor and that he will remain in the job until a new chief is in place, giving officials time to plan the handoff. Barton’s announcement comes amid a broader shakeup at City Hall this summer. City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey retired in June, as reported by Beverly Press, and Police Chief Mark Stainbrook also stepped down, according to Beverly Hills Standard. City leaders say the department will follow standard recruitment and interim management procedures while the search moves forward.
For now, Barton’s retirement timeline is still pegged to "later this fall," and the city has said it will share updates on the recruitment and any interim leadership plans as they are finalized. Local news outlets and the city's news page are expected to track each step as the process unfolds.
