San Diego City Wire

The Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) has appointed Harry Muns as its new Fire Chief, according to a City news release.

Muns will be replacing Chief Jim Geering, who is leaving his position to retire. Geering has served the CVFD since 1996 and has held all operational positions throughout his long career. 

“Fire Chief Harry Muns is the ideal choice to continue the progress we’ve made to advance fire services, implement innovations and meet the needs of our community,” said Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “He has an impressive history with our Fire Department and we look forward to his continued leadership.”

Muns started his career in the fire service in 1991 as a Fire Explorer and become a seasonal firefighter with the California Department of Forestry in 1995. He joined the CVFD in 1996 and has held positions of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Training Captain and Battalion Chief before his most recent position as Deputy Fire Chief in charge of operations.

“I'm thrilled at the opportunity given to me to lead the outstanding men and women of the Chula Vista Fire Department,” said Muns. “We have a busy year ahead with the replacement of two fire stations plus our upcoming Ambulance Transport Services. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to improve the service we provide to Chula Vista.”

Outside of his career in the fire service, Muns has also worked with the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue National Response System since 1997 in a variety of roles including Rescue Specialist, Rescue Squad Officer, Rescue Team Manager, has been assigned as Task Force Leader to handle hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters throughout the country.

Muns will be heading a Fire Department that handles over 23,000 calls a year and is one of ten fire stations throughout the City. He is the 13th Fire Chief appointed in the City of Chula Vista. 

The CVFD will be celebrating 100 years of service to the community later this year.