Deena Lee

Deena Lee is the chairperson of the Pathways Committee for the California State Firefighters’ Association. In April 2023, she retired as the first female fire chief in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. At her time of appointment, Lee was the only female fire chief in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties. She started her fire career with the El Segundo, CA, Fire Department (ESFD) in 2003 after spending two years as a volunteer with the La Habra Heights, CA, Fire Department and working as an apprentice with the La Verne, CA, Fire Department. At the ESFD, Lee was promoted to captain in 2007, battalion chief in 2019 and fire chief in 2021. She is a California State Fire Marshal Instructor and works at El Camino College Fire Academy. Lee has a bachelor’s degree in fire science and multiple certifications, including Chief Fire Officer. She is a founding member of Women’s Fire Alliance and brought the first “Fired Up! Girls Empowerment Camp” to El Segundo for youths of ages 12 to 19.