Scott Ferguson has been named chief of Murrieta’s Fire Department.
Ferguson, currently Santa Monica Fire Department chief, will take over May 18, according to multiple reports.
He will replace Matt Shobert, who was Murrieta’s fire chief for nearly four years.
Last summer, Shobert was struck in the face with a rock while overseeing a brush-clearing operation. He has had to undergo several reconstructive surgeries and was forced to retire three months ago.
Ferguson has been with the Santa Monica Fire Department since 2010. Before that he was chief of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department and was deputy of the Peoria, Ariz. department.