Felton Fire Protection District Selects New Interim Chief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Felton Fire Protection District Selects New Interim Chief 

FELTON, CA – Dan Walters has been named the interim-Chief for the Felton Fire Protection District by the board of directors, after the announced departure of Chief Robert Gray. Gray is expected to completely turn over operations to Walters in November and Walters will mind the District until a permanent Chief has been selected by the Fire District’s Board of Directors. 

“I am coming home, I started my career here and I am looking forward to coming back.” Said Walters, who previously headed the Zayante Fire District, and has 39 years of experience in the fire service. 

Chief Gray, who has been a member of Felton Fire Protection District for over 20 years, is leaving the department to take a new position as Chief of the Peninsula Fire District in Plumas County, CA. “It has been an honor to serve the community, rising through the ranks over the past 26 years. I am looking forward to the future of Felton Fire and to my future career.” 

“Every Chief’s hope is that they have moved their agency forward and made it better, and Robert has definitely accomplished that.” Said Walters reflecting on the time Gray has spent at the district. 

Felton has had six Fire Chiefs since its founding in 1948. Chief Fetherston was the first, followed by Chief Ted Toft. Chief John McDonnell was the Chief after Toft and served until 1989. Chief Don Ramos served for a year and was succeeded by Chief Ron Rickabaugh, who served from 1991 to 2019. Chief Gray has been in the position since 2019. 

The Felton Fire Protection District is an all-risk fire protection agency, responding to 750-900 calls for service each year, including fires, floods, rescues, medical emergencies, and public assistance. Felton Fire also participates or leads a variety of public education programs, including fire safety at local school districts and a CERT program. 

More information about the department can be found at feltonfire.com