Former UCLA Fire Marshal and UCOP Chief of Fire and Life Safety Services Dana Johnson is enjoying retirement after a warm send-off held at the Luskin Conference Center. Johnson spent 38 years in the fire service, with nearly three decades dedicated to serving the UCLA community. Friends, family and colleagues gathered to celebrate his impact, leadership and dedication to UCLA.
During his time as fire marshal, Johnson played a crucial role in implementing and maintaining fire and life safety protocols on campus. His commitment to training and education equipped staff and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergencies. Johnson's meticulous attention to detail and thorough inspections have ensured that all buildings on campus meet the highest fire safety standards. He moved on from the role of UCLA fire marshal to UCOP chief of fire and life safety services in 2021.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Johnson has been a respected and trusted member of the UCLA community with a friendly and approachable demeanor that made him a valuable resource for students, faculty and staff seeking guidance on fire safety matters and a respected colleague.
Steven Guarino succeeds Johnson as the UC’s new chief fire and life safety officer, a position that is housed in UCLA Environment, Health and Safety. Guarino, a seasoned fire safety professional, brings expertise in fire prevention, code compliance, a strong commitment to safety and a history of leadership to this role.
Guarino is the former lead designated campus fire marshal at UC Davis Health and has held various leadership positions throughout his career, including chief of the fire and life safety division at the California State Fire Marshal. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing critical programs ranging from construction, plan review and code enforcement inspections to fire investigations, public education and public relations.
His journey in leadership began as a fire chief at the La Quinta Fire Department, and his dedication to fostering safe communities is further highlighted by his involvement in various roles. He’s also a recipient of the Governors Gold Medal of Valor, for heroism.
