Desmond Promoted to Fire Captain

Tom Desmond, a South Bay native and local engineer and paramedic, has been promoted to Manhattan Beach Fire Captain as of Friday morning, read a statement released by the City of Manhattan Beach.

“It is an extraordinary honor to be a member of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department,” said Desmond. “I am blessed to work with amazingly hardworking and dedicated people, not only within the Fire Department but throughout the City.”

Desmond is an 18-year veteran of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, and he began his service as a paid-call firefighter, before becoming a firefighter and paramedic in 1999.

Since 1999, Desmond, a graduate of North High in Torrance before attending Cal State Los Angeles, has served as an acting engineer, fire inspector, and acting captain.

“I am truly humbled to be selected as the next Fire Captain for the MBFD,” Desmond said. “I have been fortunate to have been mentored by some great leaders within our department, and I am excited to help mentor, train and coach future leaders of our department.”

“The citizens of Manhattan Beach have been wonderful to me over the years and I look forward to continuing to provide the absolute highest levels of service that our department is known for," he added.

On Friday morning, the MBFD held a Badge Pinning Ceremony in which Fire Chief Robert Espinosa introduced Captain Desmond.

Joining Espinosa and the MBFD staff were Desmond, his wife Lori, and their two children, Thomas and Emma.

Thomas performed the duties of pinning his father's badge.

“Captain Desmond has been a wonderful asset to the department, actively involved in department training and a variety of committees, including Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team Association, and, as well as serving as Fire Association Board President,” Espinosa said.

 “I am looking forward to Desmond beginning his new position this Sunday," Espinosa added. "He is well respected by his fellow firefighters and City staff.

Captain Desmond is a graduate of North High in Torrance and attended El Camino College, where he received his Associates Degree in Fire Science, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Administration from Cal State Los Angeles. Desmond and his family live in Redondo Beach.