CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

N.B. Names Interim Fire Chief

Newport Beach has selected an interim fire chief to replace Steve Lewis, whose three-year tenure will end when he retires on Friday.

Steven E. Parker, a former interim chief for Costa Mesa, will begin working for Newport Beach on March 15. He will earn $99,508 for a six-month period while the city recruits a permanent chief.

According to a city news release, Parker has more than 32 years’ experience in fire service and has worked for five city fire departments, beginning in Buena Park. He worked for Huntington Beach Fire Department for 24 years, working his way up the ranks to the position of battalion chief. He moved to Vernon, where he was fire chief until retiring in 2005. Since then, he was interim chief for Costa Mesa and Hermosa Beach and also has worked as a consultant.

“Chief Parker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine and a Master of Public Administration degree from the California State University, Long Beach,” the city’s statement says. “He was certified as a chief officer by the California State Board of Fire Services and has served in leadership capacities for numerous professional organizations including the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association, Orange County Fire Chiefs Association and the League of California Cities.”

Lewis announced his retirement last month, citing personal health concerns and family obligations. Read our story here.