Copper Fire to look for new Chief

At the CFPD Board meeting Thursday May 10, 2012, Chief Jeff Millar urged the board to begin the process of looking for a new chief.

Due to the Assembly Bill 1028 that came into effect January 1, 2012, any person retired from a CalPers employer cannot work for another CalPers employer for more than 960 hours without giving up their retirement benefits from their previous employer. Chief Millar, hired prior to AB1028, is fast approaching his 960 hours. Disappointed with the bill, Millar has consulted an attorney, after the consultation he stated that when he reaches his 960 hours, "I will still serve Copper Fire in a completely volunteer position until a complete and smooth transition is made."

CFPD Chief Millar implements new Mission Statement

At the Copperopolis Fire Protection District Board meeting 12-8-11 Chief Millar presented the Board with his new "comprehensive" mission statement for the Board's approval. Millar stated that "to be an effective leader (the dept) needs a comprehensive mission statement." Prior to presentation to the Board Millar had staff meetings with employees and informed all of his expectations stating that he had "widespread support from volunteers and staff" for the proposed mission statement and the new image adoption of a formal CFPD symbol.
Board approval was unanimous.
Joe Butler, President Copperopolis Professional Firefighter Association, stated that the association members support the transition.
The new mission statement is as follows:
"The mission of the Copperopolis Fire Protection District is to provide the highest quality emergency services in a safe, professional, and cost effective manner. Department employees shall fulfill this mission in a manner consistent with the following values and expectations....."

Welcome Chief Jeff Millar

On Thursday 11-17-11 Battalion Chief Jeff Millar signed off over the airways, after 30 years with CAL FIRE, thanking all for a good run. The next evening 11-18-11 Jeff Millar took the Oath of Office as the new Chief of Copperopolis Fire Protection District.

The ceremony was well attended leaving standing room only. The troops, both volunteer and paid alike, showed out in full force in support for their new leader.

Father Jim Stout of the Church of the Ascension and CFPD Chaplain delivered the opening prayer asking for guidance and protection for not only Chief Millar but for all firefighters. Later in the ceremony Father Jim delivered a prayer for the healing and care of injured CALFIRE firefighter Captain Sue Arrouzet.

Welcome Chief Millar.

Millar to take Oath of Office Friday night at CFPD Board meeting

At the August 11, 2011 Copperopolis Fire Protection Board of Directors meeting it was announced that the position of Fire Chief for the District had been offered to current CAL FIRE Deputy Incident Commander Jeff Millar. Millar currently resides in Calaveras County and has working knowledge of the area and its fire fighting needs and concerns. He has in excess of 25 years of firefighting experience and working knowledge of the internal workings of a fire district.

Courtesy photo.

Jeff Millar began his fire fighting career in 1979 as a seasonal firefighter. By 1995 he had risen to the rank of Battalion Chief - Merced County Fire Marshal. In 1998 he became the Battalion Chief - San Andreas ECC (Emergency Command Center) managing the unit command, working with Legislators and establishing an ECC trainee program.  His skills not lost on those above him, he continued to rise to Division Chief - Baseline Conservation Camp in 2000 and in 2001 to Battalion Chief - Arnold Battalion.

His long list of qualifications include, but are not limited to, Incident Commander, Strike Team Leader, Fire Behavior Specialist.

Mr. Millar carries a B.S in Forest Resourse Managaement, receiving high honors from the University of Berkeley.

Board meeting to be held at Station #1 Main Street at 6:30 pm.

CFPD Fire Chief to begin his duties early October 2011

At the 9-8-11 CFPD Board meeting Chairman John Maness announced that the projected date for the arrival of the new Chief, Jeff Millar, is October 3, 2011.

At the August 11, 2011 Copperopolis Fire Protection Board of Directors meeting it was announced that the position of Fire Chief for the District had been offered to current CAL FIRE Deputy Incident Commander Jeff Millar. Millar currently resides in Calaveras County and has working knowledge of the area and its fire fighting needs and concerns. He has in excess of 25 years of firefighting experience and working knowledge of the internal workings of a fire district.

Courtesy photo.

Jeff Millar began his fire fighting career in 1979 as a seasonal firefighter. By 1995 he had risen to the rank of Battalion Chief - Merced County Fire Marshal. In 1998 he became the Battalion Chief - San Andreas ECC (Emergency Command Center) managing the unit command, working with Legislators and establishing an ECC trainee program.  His skills not lost on those above him, he continued to rise to Division Chief - Baseline Conservation Camp in 2000 and in 2001 to Battalion Chief - Arnold Battalion.

His long list of qualifications include, but are not limited to, Incident Commander, Strike Team Leader, Fire Behavior Specialist.

Mr. Millar carries a B.S in Forest Resourse Managaement, receiving high honors from the University of Berkeley.