Anaheim : Acting Fire Chief, 34, Named to Top Position

Acting Fire Chief Jeff R. Bowman on Wednesday became the city’s new fire chief and at age 34 became the youngest person in the county to hold such a position.

Bowman, who has been with the city since 1973, will oversee 10 fire stations with 204 firefighters and 29 administrative personnel. He will be paid $61,744 a year, according to the city.

“During his tenure with Anaheim, he has consistently shown an innovative and progressive approach to fire management. I am personally and professionally very impressed with the caliber of Jeff’s work,” City Manager William O. Talley said.

Since last month, Bowman has been filling in for acting Fire Chief Darrell Hartshorn, who is on medical leave. Hartshorn replaced Bob Simpson while the city looked for a new, permanent fire chief, Talley said.

Simpson had been acting as both Anaheim’s fire chief and deputy city manager since December, 1984. Simpson will continue as deputy city manager.

Bowman has written for several professional publications and recently was honored for his design of Anaheim’s newest fire pumpers, which have the motor in the back--eliminating noise and allowing firefighters to communicate more easily. City officials touted the design as state-of-the-art, and the engines won an award for engineering design at the International Fire Chiefs Conference.

Bowman is now the youngest fire chief in Orange County, said Larry Holms, vice president of the Orange County Fire Chiefs Assn. and director of fire services for the county.