January 17, 2012 – Rex Pritchard, shown at far right with fellow firefighters at Fire Station 10 in Central Long Beach, began his term January 1 as the newest president of the Long Beach Firefighters Local 372. Pritchard replaces former president Richard Brandt, who served in that role for six years and spent a total of 15 years on the union board. Pritchard has been a firefighter in Long Beach since 2000 and most recently served as vice president of the union. Prior to his service here, he was a seventh grade science teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in child development from California State University, Fullerton. Pictured, from left, are: firefighters Chris Villasenor, in the firetruck; Alie Maldonado, Austin Siman and Jeff Hardin. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)