Sonora’s Fire Chief Retiring

Sonora, CA — Sonora Fire Chief Mike Barrows is stepping down. He has been in fire fighting for more than 40 years.

Chief Barrows gave this reason for retiring, “I don’t have the passion that I had coming into the position. I think that it’s in the best interest of the department and the city to get someone in here that is going to fight harder, than I would at this point in my career, to try and make sure that the department fairs well and manages to get through the political climates that are out there.”

Barrows believes the biggest hurdle for the next Chief will be budget issues and maintaining services. He thanks the residents of Sonora for their support.

“It’s been a pleasure providing services for the City of Sonora. I hope that I leave the city with a viable department, that continues to be healthy and that provides services well into the future,” says Barrows.

Barrows adds the Rim Fire was the biggest wildfire that he experienced in his career and one he will never forget. His last day on the job will be May 23rd.