At last week’s Malibu City Council meeting, the city paid tribute to one of its most steadfast public safety champions, honoring longtime commissioner Chris Frost with a coveted City of Malibu tile — an award typically presented after seven years of service.
Presenting the recognition, Councilmember Doug Stewart joked that the tile was “well overdue.”
Frost served an extraordinary 22 years on the Public Safety Commission, including roughly a decade as its chair. Over more than two decades, he became a fixture in Malibu’s emergency response landscape, known for his steady leadership, institutional knowledge and hands-on involvement during some of the city’s most challenging moments.
Stewart described Frost as both a mentor to fellow commissioners and a constant presence during emergencies. In Malibu’s early years — before the establishment of a formal public safety department — Frost effectively stepped into the role of a volunteer public safety director, helping shape protocols and strengthen coordination among agencies serving the community.
Representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department echoed those sentiments, highlighting Frost’s on-the-ground involvement during wildfires and other crises. They praised his encyclopedic knowledge of Malibu’s unique geography and even his well-known ability to account for nearly every RV parked along Pacific Coast Highway — a detail that drew laughter from the audience but underscored his attention to detail.
In a rare gesture, the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station presented Frost with a signed surfboard and a commemorative plaque typically reserved for retiring elected officials — a testament to the high regard in which he is held by law enforcement partners.
Taking the podium, Frost reflected on his path to civic service, crediting former Mayor Jeff Jennings for encouraging him to get involved 25 years ago. He expressed gratitude to Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas, the city’s fire liaisons, Volunteers on Patrol, Community Brigade members and, most importantly, his wife, Terry, for their steadfast support.
Quoting late Commissioner Andy Cohen, Frost concluded with a line that has long defined his approach to service: “I don’t want to talk about public safety. I want to do it.”
Although stepping down from the commission, Frost made clear he is not stepping away from service. He will remain active in the Community Brigade as a safety officer, continuing to support the city during emergencies and community events.
The council also recognized departing commissioner Keegan Gibbs, who received a ceremonial surfboard and reflected on his time in public service, describing it as an education in “the pace and guardrails” of local government.
A full feature on Frost’s legacy — and what’s next for the longtime advocate — will appear in the coming weeks.