Chief Ari Delay Passes the Baton to the New Chief of the La Honda Fire Brigade: Paul Long

As I write this article, we are in the midst of one of the most difficult times for our community, and our nation, in modern history. California is one of the best places in the world to live, yet we tend to host many of the nation’s natural disasters with weather-related events, annual wildfire threat, and of course the current worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

With my new role as Fire Chief for the City of San Bruno and the demands that the new job requires, I have chosen to step back a bit here in La Honda Fire and step down as Chief, although I will not be gone and will continue to have a role responding with the Fire Department. Assistant Chief Paul Long has been elected by the group to lead the organization and fill out the remainder of my term as Chief. I have been a firefighter with the La Honda Fire Brigade for almost 30 years and had the amazing opportunity to serve as chief for the last 9 years. I wanted to thank the firefighters, board of directors and community for their unwavering support. It is with full confidence that I endorse Paul Long as our new chief and look forward to working with him as we move the La Honda Fire Brigade on to the next chapter.

On February 23rd, please join us in welcoming the new Chief of the La Honda Fire Brigade: Paul Long.  Paul has been a firefighter for the La Honda Fire Brigade for over 18 years, and a chief officer for over 8 years.  Throughout his tenure with the Brigade, he has held ranks of Firefighter/EMT, Engineer, Captain, and Assistant Fire Chief.  Paul is a key supporter for many of our programs at the Brigade and has overseen several of our successful grant programs.  Outside of the Brigade, Paul is also a leader of operations for a large pharmaceutical company here in the Bay Area.  Paul began his emergency response experience as a responder at a chemical refinery during his first job as an engineer in Southern California.  As a resident of La Honda, Paul enjoys the beauty of our area and has been proud to support our community and its visitors.

Former Chief Ari Delay will not be going far.  He will continue to be a huge part of the La Honda Fire Brigade.  Words cannot express our thanks to Chief Delay for his 9 years of service as Chief of the La Honda Fire Brigade.

In the next couple of weeks, Paul will establish his operational staff positions in collaboration with Chief Delay.

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