San Ramon Valley Fire District Names Interim Fire Chief

Jack Barton will head the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District until a new chief will be named next year, the SRVFPD Board announced last week.

Barton will officially take over for the departing chief, Richard Price, on Jan. 1.

Barton joined San Ramon Valley Fire in 1992 and has held the rank of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief and most recently was appointed Assistant Chief of Operations in 2012. He holds a Degree in Journalism from California State University at San Diego and is a California State Fire Marshal Chief Fire Office.

“Chief Barton has the skill set and institutional knowledge to lead the Fire District through this transitional time," SRVPD president Matthew Stamey said. "He has full support from the Board and the entire agency; he is exceptionally well-qualified.”

This recruitment came after Fire Chief Richard Price announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2012. Price retires with over 30 years of service.

Formal recruitment for Fire Chief began in November and the Board is currently reviewing applications. The Board anticipates naming a new Fire Chief in early 2013.