24-Year Agency Veteran May Become Fire Chief
The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to appoint Fire Department veteran Roger Smith as the next fire chief. Smith, who has worked for the department 24 years, has been recommended by City Manager David Morgan.
The position has been vacant since April, when former Chief Jeff Bowman left to head San Diego’s department.
Smith has been serving as the acting chief, overseeing a 290-member department. The city conducted a nationwide search and had more than 40 applicants. Six candidates were interviewed, including two from the department.
Smith was hired in 1978 as a firefighter and paramedic. He was promoted to captain in 1985 and has served at almost every station in Anaheim.
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