According to the press release issued by the CFPD Board of Directors this morning, Chief Cantrell will be assuming the position of Captain effective April 1, 2011 and the District will begin the process of selecting and hiring a new part time Chief.
Keith Cantrell has been with the Copperopolis Fire Protection District since November 1991. He has served in the capacity of fire fighter, Engineer, Fire Marshal, and finally as Chief. He replaced Toney Powers in July 2008 as acting Chief, and was appointed to Chief in December 2008.
Keith Cantrell has been with the Copperopolis Fire Protection District since November 1991. He has served in the capacity of fire fighter, Engineer, Fire Marshal, and finally as Chief. He replaced Toney Powers in July 2008 as acting Chief, and was appointed to Chief in December 2008.
As with many agencies within the County, CFPD has seen revenue reductions and Chief Cantrell has had to create multiple budgets to present to the Board anticipating various financial scenarios. Cantrell has also “proactively” put in place a new Policy Manual that covers issues that were not addressed in earlier policy manuals, requested the Board to adopt the California Uniform Fire Code, and implemented a comprehensive training schedule for all personnel. He encouraged grant writing, resulting in grants received and has significantly increased the pool of paramedics.
In the past two years, CFPD has seen not only financial trouble but personnel issues also. Two firefighters have been dismissed during Cantrell’s time in office, two other fire fighters were found lacking correct licensing and/or certification and were placed on modified duty until they became compliant, one Captain resigned, and rumors of a sexual harassment lawsuit lingered. There still remains a TORT claim from a dismissed firefighter, yet Cantrell stated in an earlier interview that the “District vigorously disputes the allegations.”
The press release states a potential savings to the District of $75,000.
The press release states a potential savings to the District of $75,000.
According to CFPD Board Director Barbara Cheney “this is the most intelligent way to go…(I am) certain it is going to be successful.” When asked for a comment Director John Maness stated, “Voluntarily stepping down from his position as fire chief is just one more example of Keith’s dedication to the District and our community. We owe him a debt of gratitude." Keith Cantrell was unavailable for comment at the time of this article.
By, Charity Maness
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