Brent Bartlett Appointed Sierra Madre’s New Fire Chief

Brent Bartlett (Photo – City of Sierra Madre)

Interim Fire Chief Brent Bartlett has been appointed to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Sierra Madre.

By News Desk

Chief Bartlett brings twenty years of fire service experience to his role as Chief and has spent the past nine months serving as the City’s Interim Fire Chief.

Bartlett said:

It is an honor to be appointed with this opportunity to serve this community of neighbors, friends, and family, in the town that has been my home for 26 years. It’s been said, ‘If you want to create change, you can’t do it riding backward. You have to find a way to move yourself forward.

I am grateful to have been surrounded by good leaders, who have taught me along the way, and I am looking forward to the great things the dedicated ladies and gentlemen of this department will aspire to. Thank you for placing this trust in me. I am committed to serving you wholeheartedly.

“Chief Bartlett has shown remarkable poise as well as consistent and steady leadership under extraordinarily difficult circumstances during his time as Interim Chief,” said City Manager Gabriel Engeland.  “Chief Bartlett led the City’s response to the Bobcat Fire and his management in the Fire Department during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has helped to keep Sierra Madre residents and employees safe.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the promotion of Chief Bartlett!  He’s proven himself repeatedly and especially this year with the Bobcat fire while dealing with the pandemic,” said Mayor John Capoccia. “As a long-time resident and Sierra Madre firefighter, he knows the town and department well. Sierra Madre is fortunate to have such a capable and well-known leader to head our Fire Department!”

Brent Bartlett

Prior to his career in fire service, Bartlett served in the U.S Marine Corps as an infantry squad leader during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Upon returning from his service, Bartlett joined the City of Sierra Madre as a volunteer firefighter. He worked his way through the ranks from volunteer firefighter receiving promotions to Engineer, Captain, and eventually Interim Chief.

Bartlett holds numerous California State Fire Marshall (CSFM) certificates, including CSFM Fire and Chief Officer certificates. In addition, Bartlett will be completing the Executive Chief Officer certification early in the upcoming year. Bartlett’s education background also includes an Associate Degree in Fire Technology and he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership Studies through Humboldt State University.

Sierra Madre resident of 26 years

To add to Bartlett’s extensive fire service career in the City, he is also a familiar face in town. Bartlett has been a resident of Sierra Madre for the past 26 years and has been very involved in the community through Sierra Madre Little League, Sierra Madre Girls’ Softball, and Sierra Madre Elementary School PTA. Bartlett and his wife Roxxi have two adult children. In their leisure time, they enjoy hiking, camping, and spending quality time with their family.

Edited by Ann Hunnewell