Santee Has a New Fire Chief

the nation for the best fit for chief of Department, l named Robert E. Leigh to the position on Monday.

He begins working in Santee on March 7, and replaces , who retired in December after 31 years serving Santee, the last four years as Chief.

Leigh currently serves as deputy fire chief of Aurora, CO, the state's third largest city. Since 1980 he has worked his way up from paramedic and firefighter work to become Deputy Chief for Life Safety and Special Services.

Leigh, 53, who is married and has five grown children, is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and management.

"I'm looking forward to living in Santee and being an active participant in the community," Leigh said. "I also look forward to working with the men and women of the to continue providing a high level of service to the community."