New fire chief in Chino Valley Fire District

By Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer

CHINO HILLS - The Chino Valley Independent Fire District didn't have to look too far to find their new chief.

Deputy Chief Kirk Summers on Wednesday was appointed by the district's Board of Directors to fill the position vacated by a long-time Fire Chief Paul Benson.

Summers will be paid $207,864 a year.

Summers, who has been with the district since 2007, had served as interim fire chief since Benson retired in Spetember.

Board Director Ray Marquez praised Summers' experience and public relations.

"He's a good people person and he's really reached out to both cities since he's been here," Marquez said. "He's tried to build friendships and relationships. He's done a lot of positive things besides the knowledge he does have."

Summers has served as manager of the Orange County Federal Urban Search and Rescue program and a captain with the Orange County Fire Department. He has also served with the Los Angeles and Ventura county fire departments as well as the California Department of Forestry.

"We've got a great group of employees and lots of good things that we have to be optimistic about," Summers said. "We've got two great communities that we serve and part of the county. We're looking forward to providing world class service to our citizens."

The Fire District provides emergency services to the Chino and Chino Hills.

neil.nisperos@inlandnewspapers.com, 909-483-9356