South Lake Tahoe fire chief resigns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire Chief Clive Savacool has submitted his resignation, effective May 6.

“Although I didn't get to spend an entire career with the City, I feel we achieved a lifetime of accomplishments," said Savacool. "Rough seas make good sailors and we certainly have our experiences to be proud of.”

He will using accured paid time off in the interim. Battalion Chief Jim Drennan will serve as acting chief in the interim with Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen serving in an acting role as needed. City Manager Joe Irvin is evaluating options to permanently fill the role of fire chief.

Chief Savacool joined the City in April 2020, during a difficult time in the City’s history. He successfully led multiple efforts with El Dorado County and other community partners to stand up vaccination clinics and ensure our community was kept safe and well. He was responsible for the upcoming remodel of Fire Station 3 and oversaw the permanent staffing of Fire Station 2 through the $1.46M federal SAFER grant and the use of Measure S funds. He established automatic aid responses with our neighbors, furthering the safety not just of South Lake Tahoe, but the region. While Chief Savacool has clearly accomplished a number of public safety goals, one of the most impactful is his work in coordinating with area fire districts, law enforcement agencies, and El Dorado County to thoroughly update the City’s Evacuation Plan, which was approved by the City Council just weeks before the Caldor evacuation. This document was critical to our success throughout the Caldor event and testament to his contributions to our community.

 
“Chief Savacool, while here for only two years, has made an indelible impact on our community," said Irvin. "I am proud to have worked with him through some of the most challenging times our City has faced, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Caldor evacuation and repopulation. We are a safer City because of his leadership. I thank the Chief for his committed service and wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”