Jeff Bowman, chief of the Orange County Fire Authority that serves much of the region, has announced his immediate resignation.
In a statement, Bowman said he’s is leaving the post with a “heavy heart.” “I have enjoyed my tenure here, and would like to believe I have made a positive difference to the OCFA,” he said.
A reason for his departure from the $244,999-a-year job, which the chief announced Thursday, was not stated. Division Chief Greg McKeown said Bowman will not be receiving any severance.
Bowman’s resignation letter “was just a surprise to everyone,” Elizabeth Swift, the board’s chairwoman and Buena Park mayor, said on Friday in an interview.
In a statement, she had previously said the panel appreciates Bowman’s leadership during his three years at the helm.