Battalion Chief Waddell

Battalion Chief Waddell began his career in 2002, graduating from Class 2002B of the Long Beach Fire Department Drill School. Currently serving as the Director of Training, Chief Waddell previously held the position of Operations Battalion Chief assigned to Battalion 3B and served as the Program Manager for the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Program. He assisted in facilitating the Battalion Chiefs promotional exam, acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Regional Training Group (RTG) High-Rise Training, and overseeing the revision of both the ARFF and High-Rise Operations Procedures Manuals.

Chief Waddell spent a decade as the House Captain at Station 1A, where he and his crew mentored and trained numerous probationary employees across multiple ranks. His dedication to advancing departmental operations and firefighter readiness is evident in his contributions to the High-Rise Committee, Truck Company Operations Committee, RTG Active Shooter Training, Drill School Cadre, Ambulance Operators Academy, and the Department High-Rise Training programs.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Chief Waddell has been happily married for over 18 years and is a proud father to two amazing children. He remains an active member of the Long Beach Fire Department community through his participation in the LBFD Ice Hockey Team, the Long Beach Firemen’s Surf Club, and the LBFD Mountain Bikers. His commitment to both family and the fire service exemplifies the core values of the Long Beach Fire Department.