Deputy Fire Chief Anthony James
Anthony James
Chief James was hired in 2006 with the Pasadena Fire Department where he has held the positions of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain and Battalion Chief. Chief James was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief July 202. Chief James aims to learn more and frequently attends training, leadership programs, seminars and classes to better his knowledge and skillset. He has recently received certification as a Chief Fire Officer, completed the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute (leadership program), Leadership Pasadena, and became state-qualified as a Strike Team Leader.
Originally, from Denver, Colorado, Chief James has lived in Southern California for 22 years after graduating from Syracuse University in upstate New York. Prior to the fire service, he worked at United Talent Agency in the Television Literary Department where he focused on client representation and contract negotiations for television writers and directors.
Deputy Fire Marshal
Joe Morelli
Joe Morelli began his career in the fire service in 1999, and after six years of service as a Firefighter he joined the ranks of Fire Prevention where he has served in fire inspection, plan check, and management positions for over eighteen years. Prior to becoming Pasadena’s Deputy Fire Marshal in 2021, Joe served as Ventura City’s Fire Marshal for five years. Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from the Master’s College and an Associate Degree in Fire Prevention from Santa Ana College. Joe is a Center For Public Safety Excellence Accredited Fire Marshal, a California Certified Fire Marshal, and International Code Council Certified Fire Plans Examiner and Inspector. Joe Morelli has served as a California Fire Chief’s Association representative on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Organization and Deployment Technical Committee, the committee responsible for the NFPA 1300 Community Risk Assessment and 1730 Fire Prevention Organization Standards, and the NFPA 1452 Guide. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Fire Prevention Officers Association, a Section of the California Fire Chief’s Association, and he is one of the twelve fire service leaders who serves on the Factory Mutual Fire Service Advisory Group.
Joe is passionate about applying NFPA standards in implementing community risk reduction programs, utilizing technology to improve service, and empowering staff to serve the community. At home, Joe enjoys camping and road trips with his wife and four children, and he serves as the Troopmaster for Trail Life USA Troop 110 in La Crescenta, where young men are given opportunities for growth in adventure, character, and leadership.
Joe is thrilled to be working for a world class Fire Department and City, which is also close to home and part of his community.
Inspection Services
The mission of the Pasadena Fire Department Fire Prevention and Environmental Safety Division is to prevent injury to people and prevent damage to the natural and built environment within the City of Pasadena
Hazardous Materials
A hazardous material is a material that, in any quantity, poses a threat to life, health or property. More than four billion tons of materials classified as hazardous are shipped throughout the United States each year
Fire Investigation
The Arson Investigator is responsible for investigating and analyzing fire and explosion incidents and rendering opinions as to origin and cause, development, responsibility, and prevention of such incidents
Home Safety
Here you fill find information on what you can do to be prepared for emergencies and how to keep your home safe
False Alarm Recovery Program
Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous amount of false alarms. The response to false alarms has created an additional burden on our fire department.
Training & Safety
Provides the support, oversight and coordination of training plans, exercises, curriculum and delivery methods that are in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the California State Fire Marshal’s Office, the California Code of Regulations, FIRESCOPE and National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and recommendations.