San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey is pleased to announce Chief Martin Serna’s succession of the East Valley Division (Division 2). Chief Serna joined County Fire in July, after serving 29 years with the Torrance Fire Department; rising through the ranks to fire chief, a position he has held for the past 6 years.
“Chief Serna brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the fire service,” said Fire Chief Dan Munsey. “We are confident in his abilities and expertise to help support and advance the department moving forward.”
Chief Serna has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science (Cum Laude) from Columbia Southern University and attended the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Serna served as president of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association for 2 years and the South Bay Fire Chiefs Association for 4 years. He is currently the president of the South Bay Police and Fire Memorial Foundation.
“I am humbled to be a part of such a diverse and dynamic fire department. I look forward to utilizing my skills and experience in strengthening our partnership with the communities we serve and building on the successes of my predecessor,” said Chief Serna.
Chief Serna has successfully developed and implemented strategic plans, department reorganizations, and established leadership development programs. During his time as fire chief with Torrance, the department became an International Accredited Fire Department and retained a Class 1 ISO rating. Through his leadership, the Torrance Fire Department also established a Basic Life EMS transportation program.
Chief Serna and his wife, Maria, have 4 grown children. The Serna family enjoy camping and spending time together outdoors.
Proudly serving the cities of San Bernardino, Muscoy, Grand Terrace, Mentone, and Devore, the East Valley Division is one of the most culturally diverse areas composed of neighboring metropolitan regions. This Division covers the large metropolitan area of San Bernardino accentuated by the San Bernardino International Airport, Cal State San Bernardino, National Orange Show, and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. The Division presents multiple wildland-urban interface zones including the southern base of the San Bernardino Mountains that begins northeast of the Interstate 15/215 interchange and runs southeast to the Oak Glen Preserve. This division encompasses major sections of I-215, I-10, and SR-210, all major throughways of commerce in San Bernardino County.
Chief Serna will succeed Chief Dan Mejia, who is retiring after serving 35 years in the fire service. Chief Mejia is proud to have dedicated his entire career to serving the citizens of San Bernardino County.