Riverside County Fire Chief Suddenly Removed From Top Role

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- After leading Riverside County's firefighters since 2006, John Hawkins was suddenly removed as chief of the division. Cal Fire told Redland Daily Facts that Hawkins was "removed" from the post last Friday.

"Information about why the change in leadership was made will be 'forthcoming,'" the news site reported. "Reached by telephone Friday night, Hawkins had no comment on the events of Friday. When asked if he would be moving to another post within CAL FIRE, he answered, 'I don’t know.'"

Hawkins was named fire chief for the Cal Fire Riverside Unite and the Riverside County Fire Department in August 2006.

In a Facebook post, Supervisor Kevin Jeffries acknowledged Hawkins for his 50 years of service as a firefighter.

"While I can't speak officially for the entire Riverside County Board of Supervisors, I think I can safely say that we would like to Thank Fire Chief John Hawkins for his incredible service to Riverside County and numerous cities," Jeffries wrote. "He has led our county (and many parts of the state) through terrible wildland fires, floods, tough budgets and severe growing pains. I wish him well with his new position in Cal-Fire."

According to the Riverside County Fire Department website, Hawkins began his career in 1964 as a seasonal firefighter before taking leadership roles over time.

"He has overseen many Riverside County emergencies, developed and instructed many training courses, and participated on many fire service improvement projects," the website said.

--Photo via Riverside County Fire Department