Lompoc Fire Chief Set to Be New Montecito Fire Chief

After the official announcement of Montecito Fire Chief Neel’s retirement, a due diligence search commenced to fill his boots. 

The Montecito Fire Protection District Board made a conditional offer to Lompoc Fire Chief Brian Fallon a few weeks ago, and paperwork is being reviewed as we go to press. Of note, SBC First District Supervisor Roy Lee shared with me at a charity event last weekend that he met the new Montecito Fire Chief, thus likely a done deal.

Fallon will start as the new Fire Chief for the Montecito Fire Protection District on April 1. He is being mentored by Neels as he assumes the role. Fallon’s more than 20 years of fire service as a California native include the City of Lompoc Fire Chief since 2022-2026, preceded by his roles as City of Victorville Fire Chief, and 16 years with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department. He is a certified paramedic; holds a Chief Officer Certification from the California State Fire Marshal; and holds a B.S. in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University.