Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton To Retire After 31 Years

Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton will retire from the Beverly Hills Fire Department later this fall, ending a career of more than 31 years serving the Beverly Hills community.

Barton, who has served as Fire Chief for the past nine years, will remain in the role until a new chief is selected, allowing the city to complete a recruitment process and transition leadership.

“I would like to thank Greg for his extraordinary service to Beverly Hills,” said City Manager Ryan Gohlich. “Over the last three decades, he has become an integral part of the community, earning the respect and admiration of residents, business leaders, and City staff. His tremendous work ethic and commitment to public health will be deeply missed. I am grateful that Greg will continue to serve as Chief through the upcoming recruitment process in order to ensure a smooth transition.”

Barton’s career with BHFD has spanned more than three decades, during which he rose through the department and became one of the city’s most recognized public safety leaders.

“It’s hard for me to put into words what this career has meant to me,” Barton said. “On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to express my eternal gratitude to the members of the Beverly Hills community and my colleagues across the organization for their decades of support and friendship. I have contemplated retirement for several years, but this decision is not easy. I will treasure the memories always and wish Ryan and his leadership team continued success. Beverly Hills is in good hands.”

Throughout his career, Barton has received multiple awards and recognitions, including Firefighter of the Year honors from the Kiwanis Club, the Beverly Hills Fire Department Felix Rothschild Award and recognition from the Beverly Hills Masonic Lodge.

In 2021, Barton received the Fred C. Cunningham Award for Distinguished Service from the Beverly Hills City Council, the city’s highest recognition for outstanding service to the community.

Beyond his work with the fire department, Barton has served on the boards of several charitable organizations and is a past president of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club.

The city will now begin the process of selecting Beverly Hills’ next Fire Chief, with Barton remaining in place through the transition.