The California Department of Forestry and Fire protection will be looking for a new chief executive next year. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.
Former Oceanside fire chief Dale Geldert says he's ready to give up his job as head of the state's fire agency. He notified employees in an e-mail memo that'll give up control of the department at the end of the year.
The 62 year old Geldert took office in 2004. He was hailed by CDF officials as the department's first leader with fire fighting experience. Geldert replaced Davis administration appointee Andrea Tuttle who was roundly criticized for her department's performance during the wildfires of 2003.
Those fires killed 15 people and destroyed thousands of homes in San Diego County.
Geldert commuted between Sacramento and San Diego County. CDF spokesmand Mike Jarvis says that travel schedule may have contributed to his decision to retire.
Erik Anderson KPBS News.
