Pomona Set to Vote on New Fire Chief
G. John Parker, fire chief in Peoria, Ill., for three years, has been offered the job of chief of the Pomona Fire Department by City Administrator Julio Fuentes.
Parker would be the first black in memory to head a Pomona public safety department, according to city officials.
Fuentes said Parker, 48, must pass a physical examination, agree to a compensation package and be confirmed by the City Council. The council has interviewed him and is expected to act Jan. 3.
The Fire Department has been without a permanent chief since Tom Fee resigned in July after 76 of the department’s 119 firefighters petitioned for his removal.
Fuentes described Parker as very bright and said he has a reputation as a strong leader and good communicator.
Parker joined the Peoria Fire Department when he was 23, after serving in the Marine Corps. Parker said he lived in California as a Marine and had always planned to move back. “I like the climate. I like the style of living,” he said.
Peoria is geographically larger than Pomona, but slightly smaller in population. The fire departments are of similar size.
Parker is married and has five children, the youngest 15.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
