The Orange Coast College Foundation has selected Chief Dan Stefano as the 2026 inductee into the Orange Coast College Alumni Hall of Fame.
With a career spanning more than three decades, from reserve firefighter to Fire Chief, he credits his start at community college with providing him with a solid foundation. His dedication to the community was recognized this year when Chief Stefano was named a recipient of the 2025 California Community College Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California. The statewide honor recognizes former community college students who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen fields while demonstrating exceptional service to their communities.
"Orange Coast College played a crucial role in my personal and professional journey, both academically and athletically," says Stefano. "It served as a vital launching pad for my career in service and my graduate studies at CSULB and USC. My approach has always been guided by a team and family environment, with faith at the core."
"This recognition is truly about those who have been a valued part of my journey through each chapter along the way. It reflects the shared mission of OCC and all community colleges to open doors, uplift students, and help them discover what’s possible."
He earned an associate degree in general education from OCC and graduated from the fire academy at Santa Ana College with an associate degree in fire technology. He later graduated from California State University, Long Beach, and the University of Southern California, earning graduate degrees in public policy and administration and executive leadership. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
"As an alumnus, Dan continues to be a shining example of leadership and service — a true asset to the community whose commitment uplifts others and reflects the very best of what it means to give back with purpose and heart," says OCC Foundation Board Chair Jeff Hyder.
His reputation as a leader is shown in action by the way he shows up, leads with integrity, and how he makes others feel they matter. He is the kind of leader who listens first, teaches by example, and quietly serves where he is needed.
In 2020, his leadership was demonstrated during the dual crises of the Covid-19 pandemic and California’s historic wildfires, when he became the first Orange County fire chief in more than 20 years to be elected to lead the California Fire Chiefs Association, representing 800 agencies with trust and calm.
In December, Stefano retired as fire chief for the city of Costa Mesa after a distinguished 30-year fire service career. His hardwork and legacy are what show that he embodies the values of humility, leadership and service that define the community college experience. He has earned distinction as one of the most respected leaders in public safety in California. He has served as president of the California Fire Chiefs Association, the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association and the League of California Cities Fire Chiefs Department. He is among only 32 individuals in California history to earn the Certified Fire Chief designation.
"Chief Stefano’s story is a testament to the transformational impact of a community college education," says Dr. Angelica L. Suarez, President of Orange Coast College.
Stefano will be formally inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame during the college’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 22.
Before OCC's commencement ceremony, Chief Stefano will have a plaque bearing his likeness added to the OCC Alumni Hall of Fame wall on the second floor of the College Center.
The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni for their dedication to the Pirate family and their communities, and selects them annually through a nomination process. For more information, please visit the OCC Foundation website.