Tulare County supervisors appoint new fire chief

Charles “Charlie” Norman has been named the new Tulare County Fire Department chief, replacing Joe Garcia, who will retire Friday.

Norman, 52, of Visalia was Tulare County’s emergency division chief the past two years. He has also worked for Cal Fire, Kings County Sheriff’s Office and the Visalia Fire Department.

Norman earned State Fire Marshal certification as a fire officer, chief officer, hazardous materials specialist, fire investigator and fire instructor. He has extensive training in emergency medical services, hazardous materials and fire investigation.

Norman earned a degree in fire science from the College of Sequoias and majored in organizational leadership at Chapman University. He has also taught in both the College of the Sequoias and Fresno City College fire science programs.

He was appointed to the post by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. He will start Monday.

Norman also has served as a member of the Exeter City Council, Exeter Union High School District board, Exeter Ambulance District board and Tulare County Planning Commission.

“This career has been so good to me,” Norman said. “I’ve been so blessed and lucky throughout my career. As a lifelong Tulare County guy, this is an honor, and I’m humbled.”

Norman is married with three children.

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Tulare County supervisors appoint new fire chief."