SLO New Fire Chief Charlie Hines coming from city of Yakima, Washington

Friday, October 29, 2010

SLO New Fire Chief Charlie Hines coming from city of Yakima, Washington

Charlie Hines
Photo Courtesy: City of Yakima

San Luis Obispo's new fire chief is coming from Washington state according to KIMA-TV, a news station out of Yakima.

That news agency reports that Charlie Hines will serve as San Luis Obispo's new fire chief. According to the City of Yakima, Hines has more than 30 years of experience in the fire service. He has served as Yakima Fire Chief since 2007.

Hines is no stranger to California, though. The City of Yakima says Hines has spent most of his career in our state. He was a firefighter in Long Beach, La Habra and with the California Division of Forestry.

San Luis Obispo City Manager Katie Lichtig is set to make the official announcement on Hines at 3:00p.m. Friday, at Fire Station 1 in San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo Mayor Dave Romero spoke to KIMA-TV. The station tweeted Friday morning, "Chief Hines is in San Luis Obispo to be there for the official announcement this afternoon. 'He'll be a great fit here,' say Mayor Romero."

The fire chief position has been vacant since mid-August, when Chief John Callahan passed away unexpectedly. Callahan collapsed during a city softball league at Santa Rosa Park. Doctors say he died of a massive heart attack. He was 61-years-old.

Source: http://KSBY.com

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Friday, October 29, 2010