The 1980s

On June 25,1980, Richard DeYoung was appointed Fire Chief, replacing the retiring Chief Slonecker. Two new Crown fire engines were received in May, 1981. The department also took delivery of a 1981 Crown Tele-Squirt. The final rig purchased during this time was a 1982 Seagrave 100' aerial ladder truck (current Truck 91).

Chief DeYoung's last project was to be a new fire station located closer to the Del Amo Mall and the high-rise buildings of the Financial District. This was accomplished by October 11, 1986. Chief DeYoung then retired effective November 2, 1986.

On January 27, 1987 R. Scott Adams was appointed Fire Chief.

1988 and 89 saw the development and implementation of a state of the art Hazardous Materials Response Team. A forty foot fifth wheel trailer stocked with chemical protective clothing, air monitoring equipment, reference materials, a chemical analysis laboratory, patching and decontamination capabilities was assembled by Torrance Fire Department personnel. At the same time, State and Federal legislation pertaining to the storage and use of industrial chemicals created a new role for the department. The City Council passed resolutions designating the Torrance Fire Department as an "Administering Agency" for the implementation and management of these environmental laws in the City.

The department became responsible for the review and verification of chemical inventories, and Business Pans and Risk Management and Prevention Plans submitted by businesses in the community. The Fire Department's database became the access point for the public's "right to know" about what chemicals are stored and used in the community. These new programs have resulted in a significant reduction in the risk associated with the use of chemicals. With the role of Administering Agency came the addition of new personnel who have specific expertise in chemistry and chemical process safety.

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