Roper Named Deputy Fire Chief

The Ventura County Fire Department has a new deputy chief, one of four officers recently promoted to some of the department’s highest positions.

Robert Roper of Ojai has been chosen as the new deputy chief, the department’s second-in-command.

Roper, a 15-year veteran, has worked at stations in Camarillo, Meiners Oaks, Ojai, Somis and Thousand Oaks. He also helped design the department’s newest fire stations featuring accommodations for both male and female firefighters.

Mark Sanchez of Oxnard has been promoted to assistant chief after 23 years in the department. He will become chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention Planning and Support.

As a captain in the department’s training division, Sanchez developed the division’s training manual and course curriculum.

He also drafted the department’s affirmative action implementation plan.

Glenn Garcia--who has served in Rincon, Oak View and Port Hueneme--has been assigned to Simi Valley as a battalion chief.

Garcia, of Camarillo, had previously served as a fire prevention officer and training captain during his 17 years with the department.

Michael O. Proett of Thousand Oaks has been promoted to battalion chief and assigned to Thousand Oaks.

A member of the department since 1967, Proett has served in the Santa Clara Valley, Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo.

All promotions were effective May 21.