Interim fire chief starts gig for Newport Beach

Newport Beach Fire Department’s interim chief started his first day on the job Monday.

Steven E. Parker, who has more than 32 years of experience in the fire service, will act as chief for six months while the city searches for a permanent replacement for retired Chief Steve Lewis.

Parker will be paid $99,508 over that time. Parker spent a majority of his career with the Huntington Beach Fire Department, and has also served as interim chief for the Costa Mesa Fire Department. He served as chief for Vernon from 2001 to 2005.

Lewis retired at the end of February, and for the last two weeks the department has been under the leadership of Deputy Chief Dave Mais.

— Joseph Serna