Bringing 36.5 Years of Firefighting Experience to the Board

The board of directors for The Safe Community Project are pleased to announce that David Yamahata has joined the organization. The recently retired Chief Deputy for Emergency Operations for the Los Angeles Fire Department brings 36.5 years of firefighting experience to the board. “I am honored to be a part of a great program,” Chief Yamahata said upon being told the board had unanimously voted to bring him on board. “I am so impressed by what this organization is doing.”

David’s experience with city government, the command structure of a major metro fire department, and fire prevention and public safety are assets important to the organization. “Chief Yamahata is calm, focused, and has a wide range of fire service experience,” said David Barrett, Managing Director for The Safe Community Project. “As we evolve our growth to better support the community generally, and specific niche segments, we’re pleased to have David’s experience to help guide us.”

Chief Yamahata holds positions with the National Fire Academy, IAFC, LAFD Chief Officer’s Association, LA City Employees Asian American Association, Little Tokyo Public Safety Association, and membership in the LAFD Historical Society. David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from UCLA and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Administration from CSULB.