Before joining the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in February 2022, Chief Lorenzen served thirty-one years with the Ventura County Fire Department, the last ten as their Fire Chief. While working for Ventura County, Chief Lorenzen led responses to the 2017 Thomas Fire, 2018 Borderline shooting, the Hill and Woolsey Fires, and several of the largest wildfires Ventura County had ever faced. He also served on a Federal Incident Management Team as a Safety Officer and Division Group Supervisor.

Chief Lorenzen’s leadership helped build the Ventura County Fire Department into one of the nation’s most innovative and advanced fire organizations. As Fire Chief of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, he is responsible for overseeing the general management of the District.  In addition, Chief Lorenzen directs the overall operations of the District by developing innovative programs that provide fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, emergency planning, and preparedness services.

Chief Lorenzen has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University at Dominguez Hills. He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant.  Prior to moving to Menlo Park, Chief Lorenzen was a resident of Santa Barbara for 52 years and has three grown children.