Monterey Park Fire Chief Matthew Hallock has been chosen to lead the Santa Monica Fire Department, City Manager David White announced last week. Hallock’s first day will be Friday, Feb. 12.
Hallock has led the Monterey Park Fire Department since 2020. A Santa Monica news release notes that Hallock “led his department and the community through the pandemic, as well as the tragic shooting at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio.” He recently spoke about the shooting on camera for the one-month anniversary of the attack.
Hallock “showed outstanding leadership and compassion during his tenure in Monterey Park, shepherding the fire department and the entire community through two major crises," said City Manager White. "And with his vast experience in emergency preparedness and response, I am confident he will be a tremendous asset to our city leadership team."
Hallock’s career in public safety spans 24 years. He holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration from California State University, Long Beach and is a graduate of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program.
Hallock will earn a base salary of $303,588 per year.