Palm Springs Fire Chief steps down

Palm Springs Fire Chief John Allen announced Thursday that he will be stepping down from his role with the fire department due to personal family matters.

Fire officials said Allen began at the Palm Springs Fire Department 21 years ago and he worked his way through the ranks, holding every position in the department. He served as chief for two years.

“I want to thank Chief Allen for his many years of service to Palm Springs, and his many friends at City Hall and in the community will most certainly miss him, but we understand family comes first,” said City Manager David Ready.

Retired former Palm Springs Fire Chief Blake Goetz will serve as Interim Chief beginning March 23.