He advanced in rank to lieutenant colonel in 1932, and to colonel in 1937. In June 1940 he was awarded the Order of the Star of Romania, Officer class. From 1940 to early 1942 Ciurea served as Prefect of Ilfov County; during this time, he oversaw the demolition and rebuilding of in Ciorogârla, which had been severely affected by the 1940 Vrancea earthquake. In January 1942, he was replaced as prefect by Colonel .