LA County Fire Chief to Retire

LA County - Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman announced he plans to retire in March 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," said Freeman, who sent a letter to members of the county Board of Supervisors announcing his intentions. "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.

Freeman was hired as the department's eighth fire chief in 1989, and he is the agency's second-longest-serving chief since Spence Turner, who served for 27 years from 1925-52, according to the department.