PRESS RELEASE. For immediate release:
The Ross Valley Fire Department Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Mark Mills as the new Ross Valley Fire Department Chief. Mills will replace long-time Fire Chief Roger Meagor, who retired in December.
Currently the Assistant Fire Chief of the Big Bear Fire Department, Mills is a 27-year veteran of the fire service. He began his career in firefighting in Newberry, South Carolina and has been with the Big Bear Fire Department since 2006. Mills has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and is currently pursuing his Master of Public Administration Degree. He has his Executive Fire Officer Certification from the National Fire Academy, Chief Officer Certification, and has extensive experience in fire prevention.
“Mark is a proven leader in the fire service with experience in consolidated organizations like Ross Valley, and we look forward to welcoming him to the department,” said RVFD Board Chair Carla Small.
Mills commented, “It is with great pleasure that I accept the Fire Chief position for the Ross Valley Fire Department. I would like to thank the Ross Valley Fire Department Board of Directors and the Management Committee for allowing me the opportunity to serve as their next Fire Chief. I intend to uphold the high standards of service that have been implemented by my predecessor Chief Roger Meagor and I will seek out new efficiencies wherever possible. I look forward to meeting and working with the staff and carrying on the tradition of excellence that the Ross Valley Fire Department has established over the years. My wife and I are thrilled about our upcoming move to the Ross Valley area and we are eager to get involved in the community.”
Mills was selected after a thorough process that included a national search, a series of panel interviews that included the RVFD Board of Directors, the Town Managers of Fairfax, Ross and San Anselmo, two Marin Fire Chiefs, and selected RVFD employees.
Mills plans to start work in Ross Valley on February 24, 2014.