New Interim Fire Chief takes over

Photo by Michael Woodward, Reporter

HARD AT WORK: Roy Del Carlo, Anderson Fire Protection District’s new Interim Fire Chief, began his position March 1.

The Anderson Fire Protection District Board of Directors decided Feb. 27 to enter into an independent contractor’s agreement with Roy Del Carlo as the district’s interim fire chief. Del Carlo started his position March 1, replacing Interim Fire Chief Andy Nichols. Nichols will continue serving as the Battalion Chief.

Del Carlo’s contract ends Dec. 1 and he estimates it will take three to six months to find a new fire chief.

Del Carlo said he didn’t expect the phone call from Fire District Chair, Norma Comnick, inviting him to consider working for the district as its interim fire chief. He had been retired since 2000, traveling with his wife in their RV. In 2003, he left retirement briefly to serve as Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal for the district.

“He’s very qualified and will really be able to help us out,” said Comnick.

Del Carlo started his career as a paid firefighter for the Anderson Fire District around 1967. Following that, he worked as an Anderson police officer for 3 ½ years. Next came three years as a special investigations officer with Shasta County. Del Carlo also served as Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief and three-time Interim Fire Chief for the Redding Fire Department. There was also two years spent as a planning commissioner for Anderson.

“My career has been well-rounded. I’ve worked on the prevention and suppression sides. Basically, I’ve done everything a little boy would want to do — I got to be a cowboy, a fireman and a police officer,” said Del Carlo. 

According to Del Carlo, the duties of fire marshal are the most time-consuming and challenging due to the high volume of development taking place in Anderson. Recruiting a fire marshal and a new fire chief are two of Del Carlo’s top priorities.

“The board has asked me to make some positive changes. I love tradition, but change is going to take place. We have to keep up with the community’s needs,” said Del Carlo.

Among his upcoming projects are preparation for the weed abatement program and for an inspection March 20 by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

“ISO will grade the district on performance. They’ll look at staffing, training records and more. The grade sets the insurance rate for fire insurance. A poor grade means higher premiums,” explained Del Carlo.

Regarding the study on whether the fire district should become a city department, Del Carlo wants “whatever’s best for the district.”

“The biggest issue here is growth in the area and the stagnant position of department staffing. It’s a safety issue. Right now we have only one person for a call. We need a minimum of two people on the engine,” Del Carlo stated.

Del Carlo invites the public to call him with any questions. “We work for the public; we want to keep providing a great service.”

The Anderson Fire Protection District may be reached at 378-6699.