New Santa Barbara City Fire Chief

The Santa Barbara City Fire Department has a new chief tonight.

City officials announced Thursday that Pat McElroy will take over the department.

McElroy has been serving as interim fire chief since Andy Dimizio retired in December. McElroy beat out thirty-five candidates in a nationwide search.

He has been with the department for thirty-two years.

Now, it is up to the City Council to approve his appointment on January 29th.