WESTMINSTER : Fire Prevention Unit Head Named

Buena Park’s chief fire investigator will become the head of the newly created fire prevention division of the Westminster Fire Department.

Donald C. Tully, who has been the fire marshal at Buena Park since 1986, will assume his new job Sept. 19, according to Fire Chief John T. DeMonaco Jr., who announced Tully’s appointment Tuesday.

An assistant fire chief and another division chief who will be responsible for administration are expected to be appointed later this month under the controversial City Council authorized reorganization that spawned a recall drive against four city officials in June.

Officials of the Westminster firefighters union have opposed the reorganization and have said it would be costly to taxpayers because of the high salaries of new managers.

The assistant fire chief will earn more than $80,000 and the division chiefs will earn about $70,000 a year.

The council authorized the department’s reorganization last year as part of the effort to control the department’s increasing expenses, particularly in overtime.

City officials said that the changes will make the 63-person department more efficient, make senior officials more accountable and allow the department to respond better to emergencies.

Tully, who teaches fire technology at Rancho Santiago College, will be responsible for fire prevention, including educating the public on fire safety and handling of hazardous materials. He also will be in charge of arson investigations.

“He’s well-known (among firefighters) throughout Orange County and is well-respected,” DeMonaco said. “We’re lucky to be taking him.”