News Review
New fire chief named
The Board of Directors at the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) appointed Keith Richter as its new fire chief, replacing Chip Prather who is retiring this July. Richter takes the helm on Aug. 1 at one of the largest fire agencies in California with its nearly 850 firefighters at 62 fire stations, according to an OCFA press release.
“We’re very excited to have Chief Richter at the OCFA,” said Don McCay, Chairman of the OCFA Board of Directors. “We’re confident he has the leadership skills we need to keep OCFA as one of the premier fire service agencies in America.”
Richter was selected by the OCFA Board from a large pool of well-qualified candidates from throughout the nation.
“This is a very exciting day for me, to be named Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority,” Richter said in the statement Thursday. “OCFA is known to be one of the finest fire departments anywhere, and it is a high honor to be chosen as its next leader.”
Richter comes to the OCFA from Contra Costa County Fire District where he has been chief since 1998. He has more than 30 years experience in the fire service. He started his career with the Tucson Fire Department back in 1977 as a firefighter. Richter holds a Master of Science degree in Fire Administration and is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is an Executive Board Member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.
Richter replaces Chief Chip Prather who has been OCFA’s leader for the last 12 years. Prather is retiring after nearly 38 years in the fire service.