Seaside Fire Chief sworn in Thursday night

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The City of Seaside held a swearing-in ceremony for its new fire chief Thursday night.

The new Fire Chief Paul Blaha, has over 30 years of experience with the department, getting his start as a firefighter in Seaside back in 1992.

Blaha most recently held the interim fire chief role, now getting the job for the long haul.

The city says his tenure was marked by a focus on public safety, collaborative leadership and a passion for mentoring coworkers and engaging with the community.

City of Seaside announces Paul Blaha named new Fire Chief

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The City of Seaside announced longtime fire department staff member, Paul Blaha, is named the city's new fire chief.

Chief Blaha started his career with the city back in 1992.

The city says his tenure was marked by a focus on public safety, collaborative leadership and a passion for mentoring coworkers and engaging with the community.

"I am honored and humbled to serve the city I have called home for more than three decades," says Chief Blaha. "I look forward to continuing our mission to protect and serve this incredible community."

The city says Blaha most recently held the Interim Fire Chief role.

"[Chief Blaha's] decades of service, institutional knowledge, and respect among regional partners make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the department," says Seaside City Manager Greg McDanel.