Fire Chief appoints a new Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief

Fire Chief Dan Stefano announced the promotion of Andrew Harris as the new Battalion Chief for the Fire & Rescue Department as well as Chief Building Inspector Ryan Bohr to Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of the Fire & Rescue Department.

“Chief Stefano continues to build a stellar Fire & Rescue team with a deep bench of talented staff and these promotions just solidify that,” City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly said. “I’m proud and happy for both Ryan and Andrew and look forward to working with them to enhance the public safety of the Costa Mesa community.”

Battalion Chief Harris joined the Costa Mesa team in 2009 and quickly rose through the ranks promoting to Fire Captain in 2018. Prior to his tenure with Costa Mesa, he served as an Ambulance Operator for the Huntington Beach Fire Department.

In his tenure at Costa Mesa, Harris has been as a member of several committees, the Probationary Firefighter Academy Cadre Lead, Paramedic Preceptor, a lead with the Annual Fire Service Open House Expo, took part in the Mobile Data Management Program and most recently led the Tablet Command Program development and implementation.

“Andrew’s contributions to our organization are extensive, and his noteworthy ability to effectively communicate both internal and external to the organization remains a highly valued skill set,” Chief Stefano said. “In addition, his notable competency in leading others will serve him well in his new role, and he will be an exceptional and highly valued addition to our Chief Officer team.”

Harris welcomed the challenge.

“This promotion represents more than a rank, it’s a responsibility to lead with purpose, support our people, and continue building a department that sets the standard for excellence and care in Costa Mesa,” Harris said.

Harris earned an associate of science degree in fire technology from Santa Ana College, a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public safety leadership, on track for completion in 2026.

Bohr joined the City of Costa Mesa in 2017 and served as Chief of Inspection for the past four years. He was presented with the City Manager Leadership Award in July of 2021.

Throughout his tenure, Bohr focused on improving community safety through timely inspections, consistent code enforcement and being a collaborative partner with internal and external stakeholders.

“This promotion is noteworthy on many levels and is a highly valued one for the city, the department, and the Community Risk Reduction Division,” shared Fire Chief Dan Stefano. “I have worked with Ryan and have also personally been witness to Ryan consistently answering the call for both the Fire and Police Departments as the on-call inspector during emergencies and beyond, doing so with exceptional professionalism and representing the best of Costa Mesa. There is no question that he will do an outstanding job in his new role serving as our new Fire Marshal.” 

As Fire Marshal, Bohr will oversee the Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division and his many duties will include enforcing local and state fire, life safety, property, and environmental protection standards and safety codes, reviewing building construction plans and assisting with professional trades with technical fire code requirements and department public education efforts.

“It’s an honor to serve as Costa Mesa’s next Fire Marshal,” Bohr said. “I’m excited to join the accomplished Community Risk Reduction Division to advance our shared mission: a safer community through responsiveness, transparency, and continuous improvement—delivered with a genuine customer service mindset. I’m grateful to Chief Stefano, our City Council, and my new team for their trust and support.”

Bohr has an associate’s degree in construction technology and a bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from UC Santa Barbara.

Fire & Rescue will host a community badge pinning and swearing in ceremony at CMFR’s annual year end Fire Family Breakfast, for all promotions, including Bohr’s and Harris’s. The event will be open to the community.