Palm Springs Fire Chief reflects on 35-Year career ahead of retirement

PALM SPRINGS (KESQ)- Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado announced his retirement after 35 years in the fire service, including the past three and a half years leading the Palm Springs Fire Department.

His retirement will take effect Monday, November 2.

Alvarado joined the city in 2023 after previously serving with the Long Beach Fire Department.

During his time in Palm Springs, Alvarado led the department through several major emergencies, including Tropical Storm Hilary in 2023 and the terrorist bombing at the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in May 2025.

"Chief Alvarado has dedicated 35 years of his life to protecting communities, and we are grateful for his outstanding leadership and service to Palm Springs," said City Manager Scott Stiles. "I thank Paul for his dedicated service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Alvarado also reflected on his time with the department.

"Serving as Fire Chief of Palm Springs has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together," Alvarado said.

As the department prepares for the leadership transition, Deputy Chief Jeff Van Lierop has been named interim fire chief. Van Lierop has served with the Palm Springs Fire Department since 2002 and will lead the department while the city determines its next steps in selecting a permanent chief.

Alvarado said he is confident Van Lierop will continue moving the department forward, citing their years of working together on administrative duties, operations and budgeting.

"I've worked with Deputy Chief Van Lierop since I've been here, and he's a veteran of the Palm Springs Fire Department. And as my deputy chief, we've had an opportunity to work alongside each other through administrative duties, operational, budget. So I'm confident he's going to take the department to the next step," Alvarado said.

The city has not yet announced a timeline for selecting a permanent fire chief.

News Channel 3 will continue to follow developments as the city prepares for the leadership transition.