Jeff LaTendresse, a 15-year Laguna Beach fire department veteran who currently serves as the deputy fire chief, will head the city’s department, effective Oct. 29, the city manager announced Wednesday.
LaTendresse succeeds Kris Head, who led the four-station department for two years and retired after 28 years of service.
LaTendresse, who previously worked in departments in Cathedral City and Indio and for the U.S. Air Force, cumulatively has 30 years of experience in a range of posts that include dispatcher and paramedic as well as management positions.
The new chief has lived with his wife Mindy and two children in town for 12 years. She also is a city employee, most recently in the planning and community development department.
