A longtime Templeton resident has been chosen to serve as the town's fire chief.
The Templeton Community Services District announced the appointment of Thomas "Tom" Peterson as the new fire chief.
Peterson reportedly has 31 years of experience in the fire service industry, having served as a volunteer with the Templeton Fire Department from 1990-2011 and more recently as a battalion chief with the City of Atascadero.
Peterson is the first fire chief for Templeton since 2012.
His hiring was made possible by Measure A, a parcel tax increase approved by voters in 2019.
"It is an honor to serve the community I have been a part of for 33 years and I look forward to all the opportunities on the horizon for Templeton Fire and Emergency Services and the community we serve," Peterson said.
CSD General Manager Jeff Briltz said, "the Templeton Community Services District is fortunate to have someone of Peterson's caliber and background joining us… With the threat of wildfire on everyone's mind and the implementation of 24/7 station staffing, this position is key for us as an organization and as a community. We were looking for someone with proven experience, a hands-on philosophy and positive outlook."
Peterson will begin Aug. 17.
He replaces Interim Fire Chief Bill White, who has been working part-time for the district for the last five years while also working fulltime for the Atascadero fire Department.
