Cal Fire Capt. William E. Finch Retires

Cal Fire Captain William "Bill" E. Finch, who served for the past few years as the leader of Burrell Fire Station 47 in Los Gatos, has retired after 30 plus years in public service.

His last day on the job was Aug. 20 when firefighters at the small station on Highland Way threw him a good-bye party.

"I can unequivocally say that he is one of the giants among men. Many of [us] over the years have either directly or indirectly benefited from his actions, wisdom or quick thinking - and always with a smile on his face," said fellow firefighter captain Alex Leman, who's assigned to the Loma Prieta Fire and Rescue Division of the Santa Cruz Fire Department in Los Gatos.

"He will be sorely missed," Leman added, who's a volunteer fire captain with the Santa Cruz County Fire Department.

Finch served throughout Santa Cruz County, but also in Monterey and during the past few years was captain of the The Cal Fire Burrell Fire Station 47, 25050 Highland Way.

As captain, he responded to calls and managed a crew of firefighters whose  mission is to respond to wildland and structure fires, automobile accidents, medical aids, water rescues, civil disturbances, lost hikers, hazardous material spills, train accidents, floods, earthquakes and terrorist attacks.