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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES - 11051996 - CS3 CS.3 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA DATE: November 5, 1996 MATTER OF RECORD SUBJECT: Closed Session Appointment of Bethel Island Fire Protection District Chief The Board of Supervisors announced the Closed Session decision to appoint Bethel Island Acting Chief David Wahl to the position of fire chief. The vote of the Supervisors was not announced in open session THIS IS A MATTER FOR RECORD PURPOSES ONLY NO BOARD ACTION TAKEN BETH LS)LA D- Fire Protection District Acting Chief DAVID WAHL Fire Commissioners: RICHARD CORNFIELD RALPH DRAUDSON CHRISTIAN SANDERS JACK SMCKUND DAIS WONG October 31, 1996 Mr. Phil Batchelor Contra Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street, 1 lth Floor Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Mr. Batchelor: On September 5, 1996 the Bethel Island Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors appoint Bethel Island Acting Chief David Wahl to the position of fire chief. Attached please find a copy of Chief Wahl's resume and summary of professional qualifications. The Commission would like to offer the following comments relative to Chief Wahl's qualifications as outlined in this document. EXPERIENCE: Chief Wahl began his fire service career as a volunteer with the Bethel Island Fire Protection District in 1975 at the age of 21. As such, he has a specific appreciation both for the volunteer firefighters and for the community of Bethel Island. After his 5 years as a firefighter with the City of Pinole the Bethel Island Fire Commission offered him the position of Assistant Chief for the Bethel Island Fire District. The fire district was in turmoil in 1982 when he was offered the position and for 11 years as second-in-command David distinguished himself in every aspect of his job. He assumed major if not total responsibility for many of the administrative programs and emergency operation systems currently in place in the fire district. In March of 1993 David assumed the responsibility of acting fire chief. Since that time the fire district has endured the litany of pressures brought on by the fiscal and political chaos that seems to be the norm within the county districts. Through all of this Chief Wahl has not only managed to keep the level of service enjoyed by the community at an acceptable level but is credited with the recent upgrading of the Bethel Island engine-company to paramedic status. EDUCATION: Our fire district and firefighters have benefited tremendously over the years by Chief Wahl's dedication to training and education. He has reached the highest level of certification offered by the California State Fire Marshall in the fields of fire Letter of Recommendation-David L. Wahl Mr. Phil Batchelor Page 2 command, management and instructor training. This combination of training, education and experience has produced a highly respected administration and the most competent and professional crew of volunteer firefighters anMhere. AFFILIATIONS: As one of the very dynamic leaders of Contra Costa County fire services, Chief Wahl involves himelf with professional organizations at both the local and State level. The fire district was proud to offer his time to Contra Costa County in 1988 when he was selected by the County Fire Chiefs' Association as their representative on the Contra Costa County General Plan Congress. Over 2 1/2 years of work created policies and performance standards that affect every square foot of Contra Costa County and every one of our citizens. You will notice on his resume that in addition to active membership in several professional organizations Chief Wahl served as president of the Bethel Island Area Association. This is a group of community leaders that have represented Bethel Island for many years at the local level and eventually lead to the formation of a municipal advisory council for the Bethel Island area. Representing the fire district at community events has been an active part of Chief Wahl's administration and is one of the several reasons the fire district has such a high standing in the community. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES: This list of references could easily have continued and filled a third page of Chief Wahl's resume. Over the years he has developed strong working relationships with fire officials throughout our County and beyond. Additionally, David has worked with management personnel in many County departments and has developed a rapport with them that has enabled him to more easily accomplish necessary tasks for the District. We are pleased to be able to offer the letter of recommendation without reservation and . with great pleasure. Sincerely, Ralph Draudson, Chairman Bethel Island Fire Protection District C•s 3 Resume and Summary of Professional Qualifications David L. Wahl David L. Wahl 1823 Pheasant Run Terrace • Brentwood, CA 94513 • (Days) 684-2211 • (Evenings) 634-1812 OBJECTIVE Fire Chief, Bethel Island Fire Protection District EXPERIENCE Bethel Island Fire Protection District Bethel Island,CA Acting Fire Chief 1993 to present • Responsible for the planning, organization and direction of all phases of administrative and suppression activates within the fire district. Direct single and multiple company alarm responses and supervise operations at fires and other emergency situations. Bethel Island Fire Protection District Bethel Island, CA Assistant Fire Chief 1982 to 1993 • Responsible for major administrative and operational functions in the fire district. Direct single and multiple company alarm responses and supervise operations at fires and other emergencies. Act for the Chief in his absence. City of Pinole Fire Department Pinole, CA Engineer/Training Officer 1977 to 1982 • Operation and maintenance of fire apparatus and other specialized equipment. In absence of Captain, direct and coordinate all emergency response activities; prepare daily work schedules-, enforce department policies; complete records and reports. • Plan, develop, organize and conduct in-service training program for career and reserve firefighters. Bethel Island Fire Protection District Bethel Island, CA Volunteer Lieutenant/Training Officer 1975 to 1,977 • Operation of fire apparatus and other specialized equipment. In absence of Volunteer Captain, direct alarm responses and supervise operations at fires and.other emergency situations for a single engine company. • Plan, develop, organize and conduct fire and EMS training for volunteer fire district personnel. EDUCATION Los Medanos College Pittsburg, CA • Associate in Science Degree, Fire Technology- 1988 • Community College Fire Science Teaching Credential - 1983 • Certificate of Achievement in Fire Science - 1978 David L. Wahl Page 2 California Fire Service Training and Education System Sacramento,CA • Certified Chief Officer- 1988 • Master Instructor- 1987 • Certified Fire Officer - 1983 • Firefighter I - 1982 National Fire Academy Emmitsburg, Maryland • Interpersonal Dynamics In Fire Service Organizations- 1984 • Educational Methodology- 1981 California Specialized Training Institute San Luis Obispo, CA • Earthquake Emergency Management - 1994 • Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational - 1992 AFFILIATIONS: Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs'Association - past President California Fire Chiefs' Association -Member Contra Costa County Fire Training Officers' Association - past President California Fire Chiefs', Training Officers' Section - member United Professional Firefighters Local 1230 - member 1977 - 1982 National Fire Protection Association- member Bethel Island Area Association - past President PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES: Allen Little, Chief Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Paul Hein, Chief East Diablo Fire Protection District Wm. Mike Radcliffe, Chief City of Pinole.Fire Department Bill Dutcher, Chief " San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District