City Manager Alexander Nguyen has named Assistant Fire Chief Alexander Hamilton as Interim Fire Chief following the retirement of Chief Darwin Base on August 31.
Assistant Chief Hamilton started his career with the Oxnard Fire Department fifteen years ago as a Firefighter in 2005, and worked his way up through the ranks of the department with a series of promotions to Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief and then Assistant Chief in 2017.
“I’ve dedicated the past decade and a half of my career to protecting and serving the residents of Oxnard, and I am proud to continue the vital role of providing public safety services to our community as Interim Chief following Chief Base’s retirement,” said Hamilton. “I look forward to continuing to find ways to support our community through this pandemic while ensuring a seamless transition to new leadership.” Hamilton will oversee a department of 128 firefighters and administrative staff that provides emergency services to Oxnard businesses, residents and visitors while continuing to manage various projects the department has underway.
Prior to joining the Oxnard Fire Department, Hamilton worked as a volunteer Firefighter in Australia, where he grew up. During his time in Oxnard, he has served in a variety of assignments, including successfully securing $17 million in grants for the City’s Fire Department programs as a Grant Writer and Grant Project Manager.
Hamilton’s experience also includes being a hazardous materials specialist, urban search and rescue team member, member of the Police/Fire Dive Team, Peer Support Team, and Honor Guard. He developed a comprehensive behavioral health program for two Fire Departments in the region and also serves as a Suicide Awareness Intervention Instructor. He established the Oxnard Fire Department Peer Support Team and has become an advocate for behavioral health issues for the Fire Service.
“I am confident that Alex’s experience and day-to-day management of the Fire Department as Assistant Chief has prepared him to continue to safely guide our community through this pandemic,” said City Manager Alexander Nguyen. Hamilton holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. He also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration and a Chief Fire Officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.