Paso Robles hires Interim Emergency Services Chief
Nationwide search underway for new chief
– The City of Paso Robles recently hired Phillip Garcia as interim Fire Chief to head the Paso Robles Emergency Services Department while the city conducts a nationwide search for a replacement of recently retired Chief Ken Johnson. Garcia started on March 2, 2017, briefly overlapping with Johnson to ensure a smooth transition.
City Manager Tom Frutchey says, “We are fortunate to have a chief on our team who has such a diverse background in fire service. Chief Garcia has successfully led both smaller and larger municipal and special district fire protection agencies.”
Garcia was selected for his extensive experience, collaborative management style, and genuine interest in assisting Paso Robles through its transition. The search for the city’s new fire chief is projected to conclude by September of this year.
A key focus for Garcia during his tenure will be scheduling a follow-up workshop with Stu Gary of CityGate, the city’s contracted fire consultant, to continue the community’s discussions and analysis of preferred emergency services staffing levels and service response goals.
“I’m excited to be here in Paso Robles and to work with such a welcoming and cooperative community,” said Garcia. “From what I’ve seen so far, Paso Robles is blessed with committed and skilled emergency services staff. I look forward to working with all members of the organization as well as the community as we make the transition to new leadership for the emergency services division.”
Biography
Interim Fire Chief Phillip Garcia is a native Californian, born in Los Angeles. He lives with his wife and youngest son in Laguna Niguel, and has been a resident of Orange County for 35 years.
He received his master’s degree in public administration from California State University Long Beach, and his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management from the University of Redlands. He also has a Certificate in Fire Protection from the University of California, Irvine.
Chief Garcia has been in the fire service for well over 30 years and moved through the ranks at the Culver City Fire Department. He has served as a Team Leader for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, traveling to cities throughout the country with a team of fire chiefs certifying fire departments for accreditation. He loves the fire service and says he feels privileged to be part of the Paso Robles Emergency Services Department.
The chief enjoys all outdoor activities with his family, including bicycle riding, skiing, motorcycling, boating, and exploring.
