Anaheim Fire Chief May Leave
Anaheim Fire Chief Jeff Bowman was selected Wednesday to take the helm of the city fire department in San Diego.
Bowman, 49, emerged as the finalist in a national search to replace Robert Osby, who retired Tuesday. There were 40 candidates for the post.
Bowman’s selection must be confirmed by the San Diego City Council, which meets Tuesday.
The Anaheim fire chief is credited with developing a regional communications program for seven Orange County cities and a joint powers agreement to handle all of the county’s hazardous-material calls.
He has been on the board of directors for the California Fire Chiefs Assn. and served as the group’s president from 1996 to 1997.
He began his career with Anaheim in 1973 and became the city’s fire chief 13 years later.
He earns $150,000 a year, roughly what he would make in San Diego.
Bowman, who lives in Anaheim with his wife, Denise, declined to comment.
If confirmed by the council, he will take over as San Diego’s fire chief May 6 and be in charge of 1,200 employees--four times the number of Anaheim’s force.
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