Crime & Safety
New Fire Chief Named In Santa Cruz
The new chief has served in the Santa Cruz Fire Department since being hired as a firefighter-paramedic in November 1999.
SANTA CRUZ, CA — City Manager Matt Huffaker announced today the appointment of Robert Oatey as the next Fire Chief for the City of Santa Cruz, effective immediately.
“Rob has a long history of leadership within the Fire Department, with deep roots in the Santa Cruz community. I am pleased the City will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience as he takes the helm of the department as our next Chief leading the dedicated men and women of the Santa Cruz Fire Department,” said Huffaker.
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“We are very happy that Rob has been selected as our next Chief,” said Mayor Sonja Brunner. “He has grown through the ranks and has proudly served our community for nearly three decades. He brings not only the skills to meet the urgent needs everyday, but also the focus on prevention that will be critical for our community’s safety in the years to come.”
Prior to serving as Interim Chief, Oatey held the post of Division Chief for Fire Prevention. He has served in the Santa Cruz Fire Department since being hired as a firefighter-paramedic in November 1999. Since that time, he has held a variety of ranks within the department including Fire Engineer, Fire Captain and Division Chief/Fire Marshal, along with service in the Marine Division as a Marine Safety Captain.
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Oatey began his employment with the City in 1994 first as a pool lifeguard at Harvey West Pool and became a Beach lifeguard and Marine Rescue Responder in 1995. He also worked as a paramedic for AMR in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
“I am honored for the opportunity to serve the Santa Cruz community in a greater capacity. Beginning as a lifeguard over 25 years ago, I have always taken great pride in serving this community. As the Santa Cruz Fire Chief, I will put forth every effort possible to enhance the overall safety and well being of the department as well as the entire Santa Cruz community,” Oatey said.
This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author's own.
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