La Verne Officially Appoints Christopher Nigg As Fire Chief
LA VERNE, CA — The La Verne City Council officially named Christopher Nigg as the city's newest fire chief, filling a role that has been vacant since 2019.
City leaders unanimously approved a hiring agreement to bring Nigg on as the chief during its Monday meeting. Nigg is scheduled to start in the role on Aug. 30.
The La Verne Fire Department was left without a permanent fire chief in 2019 when Chief Pete Jankowski retired. Since his departure, five interim fire chiefs have temporarily filled the role.
"This is way overdue," Mayor Time Hepburn said Monday. "Our community has been torn apart with the fire department, and it's time to rebuild and put somebody in those shoes that can [do that]."
City leaders began their search for the department's new chief near the start of 2020, ultimately choosing Nigg for the position, officials said in a statement.
"I am honored to have been selected as La Verne's incoming fire chief," Nigg said. "I intend to deliver steadfast and inclusive leadership to this great fire department. The collaborative efforts ahead will work to best position the department so that its proud firefighters can provide a sustainable yet innovative service model for the community's needs."
Nigg has more than 20 years experience as a firefighter, recently serving as deputy fire chief for the Fullerton Fire Department, La Verne officials said. He got his start as a firefighter in 2004 with the San Bernardino City Fire Department.
He faces several challenges plaguing the fire agency, including dwindling morale and staff departures.