The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District this week unanimously approved Brian Helmick’s appointment as permanent fire chief.
“I am honored and privileged to assume this role, to serve the board and this community, and to lead and work alongside the firefighters and other hardworking professionals who provide fire and emergency response in this District every day and every night,” Helmick stated in a news release.
Helmick has been working as the Interim Fire Chief since former Fire Chief Hugh Henderson at the end of March. Helmick started in the district in 2002 and was promoted to Battalion Chief in July of 2006.
It’s been an uphill battle for Helmick, who has plunged headfirst into the financials and paperwork of the financially distressed fire district.