02/11/2009 GAAS:054:09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Del Walters as Director of CAL FIRE
Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Del Walters as director of
CAL FIRE, following current Director Ruben Grijalva's announcement to retire.
"With
more than 30 years of service at CAL FIRE, Del Walters is the perfect person to
head our state's firefighting efforts," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Playing
a key role in combating the 2007 and 2008 firestorms, he has the experience and
leadership capabilities to implement the highest standards of fire prevention
and fire fighting while ensuring all Californians are protected. Under Del's
leadership, I am confident that the state will continue to be prepared to
respond to the intense year-round fire seasons we now face.
"I
also want to thank Ruben for his service to my administration and to the people
of California. He is a dedicated public servant and gifted leader who has
helped see our state through some of the worst wildfires we have ever seen in
our state's history. I wish Ruben the best in his future endeavors."
Walters has served as the executive
officer for CAL FIRE since 2008. He began his career as a firefighter in
1971. Prior to promoting to executive officer, he was the assistant region
chief then staff chief of operations for the Northern Region. Prior to that,
Walters was the deputy chief for the Shasta-Trinity Unit. He previously worked
for the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit as the assistant chief of administration,
battalion chief, vegetation management program coordinator forester I and fire
captain. He has also served as a fire captain, fire apparatus engineer and
firefighter for the San Benito-Monterey Unit. Walters has been a
California State Peace Officer since 1986.
"I
am honored to serve the people of California in this new role," said Del
Walters. "I look forward to working with the Governor to continue our fire
prevention and protection efforts while preparing Californians for the
extraordinary fire seasons our state faces."
Walters,
54, of Redding, received his Bachelor of Science degree in forest resource management
from Humboldt State University. This position requires Senate
confirmation and the compensation is $174,096. Walters is a Democrat.
As CAL FIRE'S Director, Walters
will oversee 5,500 full-time and seasonal employees. CAL FIRE is dedicated to
the fire protection and stewardship of more than 31 million acres of
California's privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the department provides
various emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties via contracts with
local governments. CAL FIRE firefighters, fire engines, and aircraft respond to
an average of more than 5,700 wildland fires each year. Those fires burn nearly
170,000 acres annually.
