City welcomes new fire Chief Christopher Nigg
The Council Chambers were filled with family, friends and mentors of La Verne fire Chief Christopher Nigg on Tuesday, Sept. 7, as the city officially introduced the Fire Department’s new leader.
In a badge pinning ceremony, the 20-year veteran of fire and emergency medical services shook hands and gave praise to those who have supported him in his career. Prior to coming to La Verne, Nigg served as fire marshal for the cities of Fullerton and Brea.
His wife, Cassie Majestic, had the responsibility of pinning the badge on his uniform, drawing applause from the audience. During the ceremony, flowers were handed to Majestic and Nigg’s mother, Stephanie, as a sign of appreciation.
“What a great day it is today. This ceremony, be it symbolic in nature, is the absolute physical start of the new La Verne Fire Department,” Nigg said. “We have much to be proud of.”
Mayor Tim Hepburn commended the new chief Tuesday, running down a list of accomplishments and accolades Nigg has accumulated over his career.
“Chief Nigg’s aspiration was to give back to the community and serve as a firefighter since the age of seven,” Hepburn said during the ceremony. “He is excited to bring his knowledge, experience and lessons learned to the city of La Verne.”
Nigg’s background includes experience in fire department operations and administration, fire prevention, community risk reduction and emergency management. He also has served as president of the Orange County Fire Marshals and president of Fullerton Fire Management Association, among other positions.
The first few days of Nigg’s tenure have included one-on-one meetings with members of the Fire Department, something he says he plans to do regularly. Tuesday, he acknowledged some of the internal issues that have plagued the embattled Fire Department, including regular turnover in the ranks and among leadership.
The department’s leadership has changed five times since 2019.
“I tip my hat to the recent highly respected interim chiefs whom I now follow and to the men and women who have endured several years of incredibly challenging times,” Nigg said. “Day in and day out these heroes respond to our community in its greatest time of need and now it is my job to respond to our Fire Department in its greatest time of need.”