CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

N.B. Fire Chief Announces Resignation

UPDATE AT END

Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Steve Lewis will retire March 1, Lewis confirmed this afternoon.

Lewis said his physician wanted him to take time to address personal health concerns, and he also needed time to care for his ailing parents.

“This department is running well — all the pistons are firing,” he said. “My personal life was suffering.”

Lewis, 58, has been chief here for three years.

“I’ll miss working here,” he said.

City Manager Dave Kiff plans to appoint an interim to take over after March 1, said Newport Beach city spokeswoman Tara Finnigan. The interim would serve for at least three months — the typical time period for recruitment for that position.

“The city manager plans to meet with human resources next week to initiate the recruitment for the interim,” she said. “At this time, he does not know if the interim chief will be someone from inside or outside the department.”