First Latino Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas Appointed for Los Angeles

In the City of Los Angeles' 128-year history of having a fire department, there's never been on Latino fire chief -- not one. Well, until now.

On Tuesday, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti chose native Angelino Ralph M. Terrazas to lead the city's fire department. Terrazas was serving as Assistant Fire Chief for the department after more than 30 years working as a firefighter.

Terrazas told the media that he is "ready to fight to make the fire department a better place" during a news conference. The veteran firefighter has worked to find answers for Latino concerns among firefighters in his role as a leader in the group Los Bomberos, which was focused on Latino firefighters.

His appointment comes during heavy fighting to fix Los Angeles' fire department, namely by improving hiring standards to include more minorities and women, according to reports.

With a background as an accomplished member of the L.A. fire department, Terrazas', is expected to help in reforming the department, especially with his abilities at handling complex administrative tasks, the Los Angeles Times reported Mayor Garcetti as saying.

Terrazas, whose appointment still needs to be approved by the L.A. city council, will oversee a fire department for a city with more than 1.7 million Latinos, according to the 2000 Census.

A group made up of Mexicans (more than 1 million), Puerto Ricans (more than 13,000),Cubans (more than 12,400), Dominicans (more than 700), Central Americans (more than 220,000) and South Americans (more than 30,000).

The Los Angeles Times reports that "if confirmed, Terrazas will be paid $292,000 annually and take charge at a crucial juncture for the LAFD, which has more than 3,200 sworn members and has been buffeted by a series of recent controversies and deep, recession-driven budget cuts."

In the report, the immediate issues at hand will have to be addressed, as the fire department and its partner agencies are going through many changes.

"One potential challenge for Terrazas," reports the LA Times, "If he pushes aggressively to change the agency, may come from the firefighters union. Among other things, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City has vowed to fight replacing sworn firefighters with civilians at the agency's 911 dispatch center, a proposal that has been raised repeatedly at City Hall in recent years."

The Firefighters Union released a statement supporting Terrazas as the selection to head the department, but also reminded him that many changes need to happen, now.