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LA County Fire Chief to Retire in March

P. Michael Freeman leads department for nearly 21 years

By Olsen Ebright

| Tuesday, Nov 24, 2009 | Updated 5:45 PM PST

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LA County Fire Department

Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman

Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman announced Tuesday that he will retire in March 2010, after nearly 21 years leading the department.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Los Angeles County, alongside the most unselfish, caring and courageous men and women of the Department," Freeman said in a statement.

"There were many challenges, but meeting them brought a great deal of satisfaction. It has truly been an opportunity of a lifetime, and now I am looking forward to spending more time with family and on personal pursuits," he said.

According to the department's website:

Freeman was hired by the Board of Supervisors in 1989 to serve as the eighth fire chief in the history of the Department; he is the second-longest serving chief since Spence Turner, who served for 27 years from 1925-1952. Freeman is credited with advancing many life safety and fire suppression services provided by the agency.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is one of the largest emergency service agencies in the world, providing fire protection and life safety services to more than 3.8 million residents and commercial business customers in the County’s 2,305-square-mile area.