Ralph M. Terrazas

Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department

San Diego State
B.A., Public Administration (1982)
Cal State LA
M.S., Public Administration (1995)

Terrazas was confirmed Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) on August 8, 2014. A 36-year LAFD veteran, he is the 18th Fire Chief of the LAFD. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Chief Officer for 14 years in a variety of field and administrative assignments.
He also established the Department's Professional Standards Division, upgrading and professionalizing the LAFD's disciplinary system and ed the development and passage of the Proposition F Fire Station Bond, enabling construction of 19 new LAFD Fire Stations.
Terrazas holds a U.S. Patent for a Brush Fire Rate of Spread tool and an Emmy Award of Excellence for production of a public service announcement program. He also earned a certificate in fire protection administration.
He had hired hundreds of new firefighters, reopened closed engine companies and implemented the Firestat process, while also establishing the Emergency Medical Services Bureau and creating the Advanced Provider Response Unit and the Fast Response Vehicle. Terrazas also instituted the Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Program and established the LAFD/LAUSD Firefighter High School Magnet Program.
In 2015, Terrazas was appointed to Cal State LA's new President's Council, comprised of accomplished business and civic leaders who help advance the mission and vision of the university.

Notable CSU Alumni in public service