Newly selected fire chief decides not to come to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Citing personal reasons, the man selected to become South Lake Tahoe's next fire chief has decided to not accept the position just five days before being sworn in.

On October 23 it was announced that Ken Harrison, a former battalion chief with the Orange County Fire Authority, had accepted the position and was preparing to move to South Lake Tahoe.

“While we are disappointed Ken will not be joining the City of South Lake Tahoe, we respect the decision he made on behalf of his family,” said City Manager Frank Rush, “The City understands the importance of fire safety in our community and will work diligently to ensure this position is filled in a timely and appropriate manner.”

Interim Fire Chief Bruce Martin will continue in his role until the position is filled.

The search for a new fire chief will begin again soon. There has only been an interim chief in place since the departure of Jeff Meston who retired in February of this year. Martin and Battalion Chief Jim Drennan have held the position for the past eight months.