After CFPD interim Chief Jeff Millar announced that he would be leaving CFPD due to the newly penned assembly bill reducing the amount of hours a retired Calpers employee could work, a search was conducted for a new fire chief.
After the Board of Directors meeting, held 6-14-12, it was announced the search had ended as the Board had selected 30 year firefighting veteran Steve Kovacs. Kovacs assumed the position of full time CFPD Chief July 1, 2012. Outgoing Chief Millar will continue to serve CFPD in a volunteer capacity.
Chief Millar welcomes Chief Kovac aboard
Chief Steve Kovacs
Kovacs began his career
in 1981 with the Ebbetts Pass Fire District, promoting to Engineer in 1987, Captain in 2000 and to Battalion
Chief, in 2007. He has worked as a Paramedic in the past and is currently the
Fire Chief at Murphys Fire Protection District as well as President of the Fire District’s Association of California.
What was the draw to
apply for Chief at CFPD?
The Copperopolis Fire Protection District has always had a
positive image within the community and fire service within Calaveras
County. I have worked for small agencies
during my entire career and enjoy the atmosphere over larger organizations. Being able to positively impact personnel and
the community, are very gratifying aspects that attract me to this fire
district. I look forward to working with
the paid staff, volunteers, board of directors and the community.
How do you feel you
will positively affect the dept?
My past experience as being part of a combination agency
will be a large factor in positively affecting the fire district. Being able to apply my knowledge and skills
gained throughout my career will be invaluable to effectively guide the fire
district into the future. We will
continue to face tough economic times for several years to come. My experience dealing with the economic
downturn will be an asset when leading this fire district.
What, if you have
discerned this, will be your first move/order of business?
The first order of business is to become oriented to the
district, which includes every aspect of the organization. Future decisions will be made after obtaining
a solid background of the fire district, personnel, operations, policies,
programs, finances and equipment.
Which of your other jobs will you be
'giving up' to work as Chief of CFPD? What other jobs will you keep?
I will be leaving the Ebbetts Pass Fire District after 31
years of service to that organization. I
will remain at the Murphys Fire Protection District as the part-time fire
chief.