Piedmont Hires New Fire Chief

PIEDMONT, CA — Bret Black has been chosen as Piedmont's new Fire Chief. He stood out from a crowded field of 27 candidates. Black's first day on the job will be Oct. 1.

Black began his professional firefighting career with Skywalker Ranch Fire Department in 1997. He also taught first aid and CPR in the community as a member of the neighboring volunteer fire department.

From there, Black went to the Clovis Fire Department in the Central Valley. He rose through the ranks from firefighter, through engineer, captain, and training officer, all the way to battalion chief. While successful in Clovis, Black and his family wanted to return to the Bay Area.

“Serving as Fire Chief in Piedmont will allow me to be part of a community that values its culture and heritage,” Black said. “I look forward to serving the residents and firefighters of Piedmont and to build on the existing talent within the organization.”

City leaders are pleased with their selection.“We are pleased that the recruitment process developed such qualified candidates, in particular Bret Black,” said Mayor Robert McBain. “I would like to express my appreciation to membersof the Council as well as the members of the interview panels: Mahvash Hassan, Jeffrey Horner, Lyman Shaffer, Lynne Wright, Don Bivins, Dave Rocha, and Elizabeth Warmerdam.”

“Bret has extensive experience in the fire service,” said Vice Mayor Teddy Gray King. “I believe he will be a tremendous asset to the Piedmont community, the City of Piedmont, and the FireDepartment.”

“I believe that Bret Black will serve the City of Piedmont well as Fire Chief,” said City Administrator Paul Benoit. “Piedmont would have been well served with each of the finalists, however Mr. Black distinguished himself during the interviews.”

“Serving as Fire Chief in Piedmont will allow me to be part of a community that values its culture and heritage,” Black said. “I look forward to serving the residents and firefighters of Piedmont and to build on the existing talent within the organization.”

The Piedmont City Council approved the hiring at its Sept. 17 meeting.

-Image via Piedmont Patch archive

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