PERRIS – (INT) – Riverside County Fire Chief Shawn Newman announced his retirement Tuesday.

Newman began his 30-year career as a seasonal firefighter for the California Department of Forestry (Calfire) and worked his way up through the ranks.

In a statement, Newman said he was dedicated to “employee morale, fair management and fiscal transparency.” He said his department has maintained current staffing levels “regardless of looming budgetary issues” while keeping firefighter safety a top priority.

Newman says he will spend quality time with his family while starting a new journey.

His retirement is effective June 15th.

Story Date: June 5, 2020