East County Fire & Rescue now has its third chief in less than a year.
The fire district’s board last month hired Al Gillespie as an interim chief while a firm vets candidates to fill the position permanently.
ECF&R is paying Emergency Services Consulting International about $13,000 to perform a search for a new chief.
Gillespie takes over for interim Chief Dean Thornberry, who stepped away from the temporary position earlier than he had originally planned. Longtime ECF&R Chief Scott Koehler was abruptly let go in January after serving as chief since 2002.
A new chief is expected to come on board in February.
