Cathedral City selects new fire chief

Cathedral City has selected a new chief to lead its fire department and he began his service Monday morning.

Officials said Chief Paul Wilson comes to the department after serving as fire chief in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Chief Wilson also previously served as fire chief in Menlo Park, California.

Officials said he has more than 35 years of fire administrative and firefighting service. He earned a Mast of Science in Administration degree from California State University, Long Beach and completed the Certified Public Manager program through Arizona State University in Tempe.

“His experience and wealth of knowledge makes him an ideal person to command the Cathedral City Fire Department,” said City Manager Charlie McClendon. “Not only is he currently a fire chief, but he has also served as the past president and executive board member of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association. We are fortunate to attract a candidate of his caliber and that says a lot about the reputation of the Cathedral City Fire Department and this city.”

Chief Wilson is filling the vacancy left by former Fire Chief Robert VanNortrick, who retired at the end of December. Cathedral City Battalion Chief John Muhr filled in a interim fire chief during the selection process.

“I am committed to upholding the excellent medical, fire prevention, and fire suppression standards expected by our residents as I, too, am now a Cathedral City homeowner,” proclaimed Fire Chief Wilson. “Over the next few months, I plan to reach out and get to know the residents, business owners, and local organizations to determine how we can make living in Cathedral City a safe and more pleasant experience.”