Riverside names fire chief as interim city manager

City of Riverside Fire Chief Michael Moore has been named Interim City Manager, effective immediately. replacing Al Zelinka, who’s taken a position with the City of Huntington Beach. Moore will fill the position while a replacement is sought, a process expected to take several months. In the meantime, Lawayne Hearn will serve as Interim Fire Chief.

During Moore’s tenure, the department has received approval to replace most of its front-line vehicles and equipment, placing older units in its reserve fleet. It’s also improved its ranking in some important public safety evaluation categories related to response times, firefighter and paramedic staffing, and the number of truck companies.

“Michael Moore has shown during his eight years as Fire Chief that he is an accomplished leader, and we are fortunate to have him at the helm during this transition,” said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “I thank the City Council for its diligence as we conduct a nationwide search for our next executive.”

Moore became Riverside’s Fire Chief in 2014. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1993 and graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.A. in Management in 1988. Moore began his career in 1982 as a firefighter/paramedic with the Orange County Fire Authority.

“I have devoted my life to public service, and I am grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership abilities in service to our city,” Moore said. “I am thankful to be part of such a dynamic and focused organization.”

Moore will be paid $312,052.