San Jose Has New Interim Fire Chief

A 27-year veteran firefighter has been selected to serve as  interim fire chief for the San Jose Fire Department during a national search  for a new chief, according to San Jose's city manager.

Ruben Torres, the department's deputy fire chief and fire marshal,  will be acting chief while the city works to replace outgoing Fire Chief  Willie McDonald, City Manager Debra Figone said.

McDonald, the city's chief since August 2010, announced last  Thursday he had accepted an offer to lead the city fire department in Las  Vegas, Nev. and would leave San Jose sometime this summer.

McDonald and Torres will work closely together before McDonald  goes to Las Vegas, Figone said. 

Torres is the department's most senior active member and as deputy  chief, oversees field operations and other projects related to emergency and  non-emergency procedures, Figone said.    

He holds a hazardous material technician credential and  certifications in advanced critical incident stress management and advanced  incident command system, Figone said.

A married father of four, Torres has two relative on the fire  department, including a son, Ruben Torres, Jr., and will follow city policy  regarding supervising relatives while he serves as interim chief, Figone  said.

Torres is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public administration  from National University, Figone said.