Chris Frost Honored with Mike Treinen Public Safety Award for Lifetime of Service to Malibu

By Hayley Mattson · Sun Jul 19 2026

Longtime community leader recognized for more than six decades of dedication and 22 years guiding the City's Public Safety Commission

For more than six decades, Chris Frost has quietly worked behind the scenes to help make Malibu a safer place to live. Last month, the longtime community leader was recognized for those efforts when he received the City of Malibu's prestigious Mike Treinen Public Safety Award, honoring a lifetime of service dedicated to protecting the community.

The award, presented during the June 22 Malibu City Council meeting, celebrates individuals whose commitment to public safety extends well beyond the call of duty. For Frost, whose connection to Malibu spans more than 60 years, the recognition represents decades of volunteer leadership, collaboration with emergency agencies, and an unwavering commitment to the city's residents.

Frost served on the City's Public Safety Commission for 22 years, including 10 years as its chair. During that time, he became one of Malibu's strongest advocates for emergency preparedness, wildfire safety, law enforcement coordination, and community resilience.

Even after stepping down as commission chair, Frost has remained actively involved, continuing to help neighborhoods prepare for wildfire emergencies as a member of the Malibu Community Brigade.

Current Public Safety Commission Chair Josh Spiegel, who presented the award, described Frost as someone whose influence reaches far beyond the commission chambers.

"For more than 60 years, Chris has been a part of the fabric of Malibu," Spiegel said. "And for more than two decades, he was the tip of the spear for our community's public safety."

Spiegel said what always distinguished Frost was his relentless determination to solve problems.

"His dedication to Malibu is unmatched, but what has always stood out to me most is his accountability," Spiegel said. "Chris approaches every challenge with gusto. He would work until the goal was accomplished, and if he couldn't get it done by himself, he certainly knew who he needed to call to help get it done."

That ability to bring agencies together became one of Frost's defining strengths.

Over the years, he cultivated relationships with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors, emergency responders, and numerous public safety organizations.

Those partnerships, Spiegel noted, were not built overnight.

"Those relationships didn't happen by accident," he said. "They were built through years of trust, credibility and hard work, and they have benefited Malibu immeasurably."

Spiegel also credited Frost with mentoring the next generation of community leaders—including himself.

"On a personal level, I would not be standing here today without Chris," Spiegel said. "He was instrumental in encouraging me to get involved in public service. His mentorship, guidance, friendship and leadership inspired me to step up, and his influence continues to shape how I approach my role every day."

Although Frost no longer leads the commission, Spiegel said his service to Malibu has never truly ended.

"When his term as chair ended, I still rely on his counsel, experience and perspective on a regular basis," he said. "His work continues through the relationships he built, the people he mentored and the example he set for all of us."

He added that Frost remains just as committed to Malibu today as he has been for decades.

"If Malibu needs him, he will answer the call just as he always has."

The award carries special significance because it honors the legacy of retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Treinen, one of Frost's closest friends.

Treinen dedicated more than 30 years to public service and earned widespread respect throughout Malibu for his work in community policing, homeless outreach and public safety. Following his passing, the Malibu City Council established the annual award in 2021 to recognize individuals whose service reflects Treinen's commitment to the community.

Spiegel said the connection between the two men made the recognition especially meaningful.

"What makes tonight especially meaningful is that this award bears the name of Mike Treinen, one of Chris's dearest friends," he said. "It's hard to imagine a more fitting tribute than for Chris to be recognized with an award carrying Mike's name."

Last year's recipient, Mark Russo, had the honor of presenting Frost with the award.

"I think we should start a tradition where the prior recipient gives the new recipient the award," Russo joked before turning serious.

"Mike would be proud to see you get this," Russo told Frost. "You've put your heart and soul into this community. We're all proud of you. We couldn't do our jobs out here without you."

He praised Frost's hands-on approach to protecting Malibu.

"As Andy Cohen would say, you don't just talk public safety — you do public safety," Russo said. "We thank you for your years of dedication and service out here."

Clearly moved by the recognition, Frost accepted the award with humility and emotion.

"Wow," he began. "That's tough to follow."

Holding back tears, Frost reflected on his friendship with Treinen.

"Mike was a very dear friend," he said. "I've had this tribute bracelet on since he passed. It hasn't slipped off my arm once. He was an amazing deputy out here."

Frost remembered Treinen not only for his dedication but for the compassion he showed everyone he encountered.

"The things that he did to make our community proud, the way he treated everybody out here — I never heard anybody say anything bad about Mike. He was the guy."

Frost said he was deeply honored to receive an award bearing his friend's name.

"I'm very proud to accept this. I'm honored. I'm humbled by it."

He also emphasized that none of his accomplishments were achieved alone.

Frost thanked current and former city staff, public works employees, fire safety liaisons, Volunteers on Patrol, sheriff's personnel, emergency responders and countless community members who worked alongside him over the years.

"It takes a village of people to figure it out," Frost said. "I certainly never had all the answers. I had a lot of questions."

He acknowledged the many early morning and late-night phone calls spent working through emergencies and finding solutions alongside colleagues across multiple agencies.

Finally, he thanked one person who had quietly supported him throughout his years of public service.

"I want to thank my beautiful wife," Frost said. "She listened to a lot of late-night phone calls that she didn't want to, and a lot of early morning phone calls."

As Malibu continues to face evolving public safety challenges — from wildfires to emergency preparedness — city leaders said Frost's legacy lives on through the systems, partnerships and people he helped build. His decades of service have left an enduring mark on the community, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration and dedication he championed will continue protecting Malibu for years to come.