FOUNDED 1907
About the Fire Department
The South Pasadena Fire Department serves a population of nearly 25,000 people, covering 3.44 square miles. There is one fire station that houses an engine company, a rescue ambulance and a light and air unit. The City is located at the west end of the San Gabriel Valley and is adjacent to the cities of Los Angeles, Alhambra, San Marino and Pasadena. While the city is largely residential, with a mix of homes and apartments it has a wildland interface in the hill area. The Arroyo Seco wash also runs through the city on the west side. South Pasadena Fire is a full service department providing fire/rescue services, paramedics, safety education, inspections, plan reviews, and emergency management. The department operates in conjunction with the other thirteen agencies affiliated with Verdugo Fire Communications. All thirteen agencies within Area C operate under the Unified Response agreement. The South Pasadena Fire Department is proud to serve the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of South Pasadena with a high degree of professionalism.
About the Fire Chief
On September 3, 2024, Gregory Lloyd was appointed as the City of South Pasadena’s Fire Chief, making Chief Lloyd the 18th Fire Chief in the 117-year history of the Department. With an impressive 33-year career in public safety, including 27 years dedicated to the fire service, Chief Lloyd brings a deep well of experience, leadership, and a commitment to community-focused service.
Chief Lloyd was raised in La Cañada and La Crescenta and has a personal connection to the region. In addition to playing soccer in the Arroyo Seco parks, he spent several years decorating Rose Parade floats during Christmas break.
Chief Lloyd’s journey in public safety began as an Emergency Medical Technician in Glendale, where he developed a strong foundation in emergency response. He attended Daniel Freeman Paramedic school in Inglewood and worked for 6 years as a transport paramedic. He then joined San Diego Fire-Rescue, where his career flourished over many years. During his tenure in San Diego, he served in various communities and specialized units, including the Metro Arson Strike Team and the Air Operations Division. His expertise spans high- rise emergencies in urban environments and complex operations in wildland-urban interfaces
In addition to his extensive firefighting experience, Chief Lloyd has a unique background as a pastor, a role he fulfilled while staying closely connected to the fire service through his work with the San Diego Fire Chaplain Program. Most recently, he served as Battalion Chief for the City of Hemet, leading the department’s Training, Community Risk Reduction, and EMS Bureaus, underscoring his comprehensive approach to public safety management.
Chief Lloyd holds a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and an Associate’s in Fire Protection Technology. His commitment to professional development is evident in his certifications as a Chief Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, and Fire Investigator. He remains actively involved in advancing the fire service across the state, serving on committees for the California State Firefighters Association and as Vice President of the California First Responders Support Team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chief Lloyd to South Pasadena,” said Don Penman, Interim City Manager. “His extensive experience, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety make him an invaluable addition to our city leadership team. We are confident that Chief Lloyd will guide our Fire Department with distinction, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Chief Lloyd is married and has two adult children. He is eager to begin this new chapter in South Pasadena and looks forward to serving the community with the same passion and dedication that have defined his career.
As Fire Chief, Lloyd will be responsible for leading a department composed of 21 full-time uniformed personnel, 1 full-time Fire Prevention Specialists, and 1 full-time management assistant.
In conjunction with the Fire Chief of San Marino, Chief Lloyd manages an agreement with the City of San Marino for the sharing of Fire Command Staff. The agreement identifies each City having its own Fire Chief and Division Chief. The remaining Division Chief will be identified as the Shared Command Position. Each City will be responsible for 50% of the mutually agreed upon shared cost of services for the Shared Command Position. The agreement will allow each City to continue providing the highest level of customer service to the communities at a reduced cost.