After leading the Santa Maria Fire Department for nearly four years, Chief Dan Orr is leaving for a new job in the Pacific Northwest.
Orr, 51, has led the department since December 2011 and notified city officials last week of his pending departure. “It’s a new chapter,” he said.
On Dec. 1, he will become an assistant chief for Clallam County Fire District No. 3 on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula with the main town of Sequim, he said Monday.
“It’s a chance for me to work for a smaller organization,” he said, adding the staff includes paid and volunteer members.
“(I am) just looking to go back to something that I’ve done before in the past and I have very fond memories of. I'm trying to finish up my career that way,” he said.
His last official day is Nov. 27.
“This is all happening much quicker than what I had expected,” he said.
“This is not part of the plan. I did not expect to get a job offer as quick as I did.”
City Manager Rick Haydon said he is working diligently to hire an interim chief before Orr leaves. Staff also is preparing the job flier to advertise the fire chief opening.
Additionally, Haydon said he has suspended the recruitment for the vacant deputy fire chief job so the agency’s next leader can have a say in filling the No. 2 slot.
A new chief could be chosen by early 2016, Haydon said.
Haydon had praise for Orr's leadership of the department.
“I think he’s done a tremendous job,” Haydon said. “He’s been a valuable asset to not only the city but especially in the community.”