Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado to retire Nov. 2
Alvarado, who has led the department for three and a half years, oversaw record staffing and an improved fire protection rating.
Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado has announced he will retire Nov. 2 after a 35-year career in fire service, including the past three and a half years leading the Palm Springs Fire Department.
Alvarado becomes the third high-level city official to retire in the past two months. Former Police Chief Andy Mills stepped down in early September and City Manager Scott Stiles announced his retirement, effective Nov. 1, shortly after.
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Alvarado joined the city in 2023. During his tenure, the department responded to Tropical Storm Hilary in 2023 and the May 2025 terrorist bombing of the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, according to a city news release.
“Chief Alvarado has dedicated 35 years of his life to protecting communities, and we are grateful for his outstanding leadership and service to Palm Springs,” Stiles said in a statement released Friday afternoon.
“His commitment to public safety, investing in our firefighters and planning for the future has strengthened our Fire Department and made a lasting impact on our community. I thank Paul for his dedicated service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Under Alvarado, the department reached its highest staffing levels in history, with 87 firefighters and four-person staffing on all fire apparatus. The department also improved its Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification from Class 3 to Class 2.
Other accomplishments listed by the city include securing approval for a new Fire Station 1 and acquiring two new fire engines. Four more engines and a ladder truck are on order.
Alvarado also oversaw development of the city’s first wildfire mitigation plan and expanded fire prevention and community risk reduction efforts. The city said he supported major development projects, including the opening of the Thompson Hotel and the restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre.
“Serving as Fire Chief of Palm Springs has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” Alvarado said.
“Every accomplishment reflects the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve this community every day. It has been an extraordinary honor to lead this department, and I leave with tremendous gratitude for the support of the City Council, City Manager, our employees and the Palm Springs community.”
Before joining Palm Springs, Alvarado served with the Long Beach Fire Department.
Stiles said the city expects to announce an internal acting fire chief within the next week to ensure continuity of emergency services during the leadership transition.
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